News broke earlier Friday afternoon that Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook has undergone yet another surgery on his right knee—his third procedure. Thunder president Sam Presti addressed the surgery in a recent statement.
[Russell Westbrook has knee surgery again, out until after the All-Star break]
“Russell has been playing pain free, but recently had experienced increased swelling. 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.
“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.”
News: Russell Westbrook undergoes successful arthroscopic knee surgery. Read more @ http://t.co/rvHXwo0JZy
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 27, 2013
Westbrook is expected to be back in action sometime after the NBA All-Star break in mid-February. Considering the sensational season that he had been having up until this point, it can be expected that there would an outpouring of Twitter responses.
Bummed about Westbrook, loved the way he was playing. 3 surgeries for the same injury just doesn’t sound good. — Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) December 27, 2013
Wishing @russwest44 a speedy recovery!! Hate to hear that news! — Willie Green (@DetroitWillie34) December 27, 2013
Hate to hear that about Russ, one of my fav players in the league.. — Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) December 27, 2013
Prayers up for @russwest44 Keep ya head up brother — Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) December 27, 2013
@russwest44 hope u have a speedy recovery — Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) December 28, 2013
As if it were bad enough to hear that one star player in the league were down, the news only got worse.