The Portland Trail Blazers announced on Tuesday night that center Marcus Camby has a slight meniscus tear in his left knee that will require surgery.
MARCUS CAMBY TO UNDERGO SURGERY MRI reveals Portland center has slight meniscus tear in left knee
PORTLAND -- Portland Trail Blazers center Marcus Camby will undergo arthroscopic surgery later this week to repair a partial medial meniscus tear in his left knee, it was announced today by General Manager Rich Cho.
"The MRI taken earlier today did not show anything significant," said Cho. "However, a more thorough review tonight from our team physician did reveal a partial tear."
The exact date for Camby's arthroscopy has yet to be determined. A timeline for his return will be set following surgery.
In 39 games (all starts) this season, Camby has averaged 5.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.87 blocks in 28.7 minutes. He ranks fifth in the NBA in rebounds and 10th in blocked shots per game.
Camby is the only player in the Western Conference averaging at least 11.0 rebounds and 1.50 blocks. He has grabbed at least 10 boards in 26 games and led the team in rebounding a team-high 28 times this season.
As I said in a comment last night, "MRI" now stands for "Most Ridiculous Injury" as far as the Blazers are concerned. Seriously, what's the percentage of Portland MRI's that have passed without incident? Like, none?
Thanks to je'mapple for getting this up in the Fanshots early.
Earlier Tuesday, the Blazers announced that Camby's MRI was negative. Blazers players downplayed the extent of the injury on Monday night.
The injury temporarily leaves Portland with two active centers: Joel Przybilla and Sean Marks. Starting power forward LaMarcus Aldridge can also play center. Forwards Dante Cunningham and Luke Babbitt round out the remaining frontcourt players left on the roster. Small forward Nicolas Batum slid up to play power forward for very brief stretches last season.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)