Newly acquired power forward Patrick Patterson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and will be out 4 to 6 weeks.
OKC Thunder General Manager Sam Presti announced Patrick Patterson underwent knee surgery and is expected to be out 4 to 6 weeks recovering.
This is one of those bad news, good news situations. Obviously the bad news is Patterson needing to have the surgery at all. But the good news is this surgery is happening now. instead of once the season starts.
Having watched every Raptors game last season, I can verify Patterson never seemed 100 percent after the initial injury. He made attempts to return early twice playing two games in January after missing four. This was followed by two additional six game absences before returning February 24 to finish the season. Though he fought through the injury, Patterson never fully looked like himself upon returning.
As per Sam Presti announcement:
“The proactive procedure was performed by Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, California. Patterson will be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks.”
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Patterson saw the effect going out mid season can have on a squad when teammate DeMarre Carroll kept playing through pain. Inevitably it caused more damage to Carroll’s knee and arguably cost the Raptors first place in the East. Therefore, addressing this issue now is preferential to waiting to see if the pain dissipates.
Based on initial reports Patterson’s recovery time will be from 4 to 6 weeks. The latter taking him to September 21. Should Patterson need the full six weeks to recover he’ll then begin rehabbing with a view to getting fully healthy before their season start October 19. No doubt the Thunder will exercise precaution, but will hope for an earlier return. This due to the need for Patterson to get acquainted with a new system being his first season with the team.
Also of note, Patterson historically takes a month to six weeks in most seasons to round into form. Therefore the injury may add to this typical slow start for Patterson. But, don’t fret Thunder fans while Patterson’s 3-point shot may take a while to fall his defense will always be top notch.
For now, Thunder Nation and Thunderous Intentions send Patrick Patterson hopes for a speedy recovery.