Dallas Mavericks All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Friday and will miss at least six weeks, jeopardizing the team’s hopes of contending in the Western Conference.
According to a release from the team, Nowitzki had the surgery at Texas Sports Medicine, with the procedure performed by team orthopedic surgeon T.O. Souryal. Nowitzki should be able to resume on-court activities within six weeks, making his return sometime in early December.
After the Mavericks won the NBA championship in 2011, Nowitzki played for Germany in Eurobasket 2011. During the lockout, he rested and arrived at training camp out of shape. He had knee issues last season, when the team gave him a week off to work on his conditioning.
Nowitzki played 34 minutes in the team’s first preseason game in Germany but missed the next three with what was termed “right knee effusion.” He was hoping to avoid surgery.
In a fan chat Tuesday, Dallas Morning News beat writer Eddie Sefko said he would not be