March 22, 2016
UPDATE [4:20 p.m.] -- The Philadelphia 76ers have confirmed that rookie center Jahlil Okafor underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a partially torn meniscus in his right knee. As reported by CSN Philly Monday night, the procedure was performed by renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure today to address a slight tear of the meniscus in his right knee.
The minor procedure was performed by Dr. James Andrews of the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Sixers Head Physician and Orthopedic Surgeon of the Rothman Institute at Jefferson Dr. Christopher Dodson.
Okafor will begin his rehabilitation program tomorrow under the guidance of Sixers Director Of Performance Research & Development Dr. David T. Martin.
There's been no updated timetable for Okafor's return to basketball activities, which was originally expected to take six weeks and meant the end of his rookie season.
Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor's surgery on his partially torn right meniscus is scheduled to take place on Tuesday and be performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, according to CSNPhilly.com's Jessica Camerato.
Okafor, who was leading the Sixers (9-62) with 17.5 points per game, hasn't played since Feb. 28 when he suffered a right knee contusion. Subsequent tests during his rehab revealed the small tear in his knee and on March 11 the team decided that season-ending surgery was the best option for their rookie big man.
Although the surgery is not considered too serious -- the normal recovery time to return to basketball activities is six weeks – and had it not been for the timing of the injury, it likely wouldn't have ended the 20-year-old's season.
Okafor, the third-overall pick in the 2015 draft, has averaged 7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game to go with his 17.5 points.
After falling to the Pacers, 91-75, on Monday night, the Sixers will be off until Wednesday night when they visit the Denver Nuggets.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_mullin
