Russell Westbrook Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery, Will Be Re-Evaluated in Four Weeks

According to a release from the Thunder organization, Russell Westbrook has undergone successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. As such, he will be re-evaluated in “approximately four weeks” and may miss the preseason (or possibly longer) as a result.

Via the Thunder:

“Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his right knee, Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today.

The Thunder, Westbrook and his representation determined that after he experienced inflammation in his knee this past weekend that the best course of action was the proactive procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache with Thunder medical personnel present at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.

Westbrook will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, at which time a further update will be provided.”

The news is obviously unsettling for fans, as the Thunder lives and dies by its mercurial point guard. However, the operation is considered relatively minor and shouldn’t impact Westbrook’s availability for the 2018-19 regular season — even though the knee in question has historically been an issue for the former MVP.

Westbrook’s right knee history via Royce Young:

“Following a collision with Patrick Beverley in the 2013 playoffs that tore the meniscus in his right knee, Westbrook underwent three surgeries on the knee in a nine-month span. It’s been four and a half years since any surgery on his right knee, with Westbrook recovering completely to win an MVP and average a triple-double in consecutive seasons.”

Westbrook is set to be re-evaluated on October 10 — with the pre-season beginning on October 3 against the Detroit Pistons. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him make his debut in the regular season opener in Oakland on October 16, although Young notes the Thunder are in “no rush to get him back on the floor.” With Westbrook starting the first year of his 5-year, $205-million supermax extension, an abundance of caution is likely the best path forward. That’s a lot of dollars and cents to protect.

More to come as this develops.