Russell Westbrook, the star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been forced to undergo yet another surgery on his right knee.
As fans will remember, Russell Westbrook also got injured during the 2013 playoffs, leaving the first-round match-up against the Rockets. The Thunder would eventually lose to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference semi-finals.
Due to his most recent knee surgery, he will be forced to sit out until after the NBA’s All-Star break in the middle of February. The All-Star event is roughly seven weeks away.
In addition to not being able to play until then, Russell Westbrook will have to sit out during All-Star weekend too, an event that he has attended numerous times in the past.
His teammate and fellow All-Star, Kevin Durant, will have to attend the event without him, and after struggling without him last season, hopefully his absence will not hurt the Thunder too badly.
The Thunder announced on Friday that Russell Westbrook had undergone arthroscopic surgery, which also marks his third surgery since April.
Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant and Russell Westbrook all comeback then they all suffered a knee injury..
— Jake Harrison (@JakeHarrison_11) December 28, 2013
Speaking on the necessary procedure that had to be done, Thunder president Sam Presti said “The consulting physician determined that arthroscopic surgery was necessary to address the swelling that was taking place. We know that Russell’s work ethic and commitment will help him return to the level of play that we have all come to appreciate.”
Russell Westbrook got hurt again? All bad…
— ☠Jonny Brazil™☠ (@MrBrazil_) December 28, 2013
With his current estimated recovery timeline, Russell Westbrook is expected to miss a total of 27 games. The Thunder are currently tied for the top spot in the Western Conference, and along with the Portland Trailblazers. However, with Westbrook out, that may change, and they are only a game and a half ahead of the San Antonio Spurs.
After being led by two of the league’s best players in Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder boast and impressive record of 24-5. The Thunder and Trailblazers lead the league.
Thunder beat Bobcats without Russell Westbrook, 89-85.
Kevin Durant: 34 Pts, 12 Reb, 6 Ast.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 28, 2013
During the 2013 season, Russell Westbrook is averaging 21.3 points, seven assists and six rebounds during the 25 games that he has played in.
Image via Wikimedia Commons