Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Russell Westbrook underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday and will be sidelined through the All-Star break, leaving the Thunder without their floor general and second-best player for almost two months.
In a statement released on Friday by general manager Sam Presti and as quoted by ESPN.com, the team said Westbrook had been playing pain free but recently felt increased swelling on his knee. "After consultation and consideration by his surgeon in Los Angeles, a plan was established to monitor the swelling that included a series of scheduled MRIs. On the most recent MRI, it was determined by the surgeon that there was an area of concern that had not previously existed nor was detectable in the previous procedures, and it was necessary to evaluate Russell further. The consulting physician determined that arthroscopic surgery was necessary to address the swelling that was taking place."
Presti acknowledged that their star guard has the work ethic and commitment to enable him to return to his All-Star form.
"He will be missed," coach Scott Brooks told ESPN.com. "Obviously we are a very good team with him, and without him we're still going to be a very good team."
Westbrook was averaging 21.3 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds for the Thunder, which owns the second-best record in the Western Conference. He returned to the team on November 3 after injuring his right knee during the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Brooks was caught by surprise with Westbrook's latest injury. "He's passed every medical benchmark and he was playing great basketball, probably some of the best basketball in the entire league. We're looking forward to him coming back and getting back to the level that he has played at -- and he will."
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