Report: Kemba Walker Leaning Toward Knee Surgery, Could Miss 6 Weeks

Hornets PG Kemba Walker has been playing some great basketball this season, but he’s also been dealing with a meniscus injury in his left knee that has caused him to miss Charlotte’s last three games. Now, he’s reportedly leaning toward surgery, which could mean he’ll miss six weeks of action. It would be a devastating blow for a team already dealing with several other key injuries.

From Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:

Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker is leaning toward undergoing a surgical procedure on his left knee that could cause him to miss six weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

 

No final determination on surgery had been made, but Walker traveled to New York on Monday to meet with a knee specialist, an appointment that was first reported by the Charlotte Observer.

 

Walker has been struggling with a meniscus injury in the knee, but had been resolute on trying to play through the pain. Walker, who signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension in the offseason, has had occasional problems with a cyst in the left knee dating back to his high school career.

 

For the Hornets, the loss of Walker would be devastating to their playoff hopes. Despite numerous injuries, Hornets coach Steve Clifford has managed to work Charlotte (19-26) into the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff chase.

 

Walker has missed three games in the past week, and there’s been significant discussion among doctors and Hornets officials about the necessity of surgery.

 

Walker has averaged 18.8 points and 5.2 assists per game this season.

 

Charlotte is dealing with injuries to several key players, including Marvin Williams, Bismack Biyombo and Jannero Pargo.