Austin Rivers Had Ankle Surgery, Xavier Henry Underwent Knee Surgery

A pair of New Orleans Hornets guards went under the knife, the team announced today. Rookie Austin Rivers had a bone spur removed from his right ankle, and Xavier Henry had arthroscopic right knee surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear. Per the Times-Picayune: “Both players are expected to be recovered sufficiently to participate in camp, which will commence at the end of September in preparation for the Oct. 31 regular-season opener against the San Antonio Spurs. ‘Austin had a bone spur in his ankle,’ GM Dell Demps said. ‘And the surgery went well today. I’ve been in communication with the doctor who did the surgery and we expect him to be back in time for training camp. We’re not going to rush him back, but we do expect he’ll be ready to play when training camp opens.’ Rivers’ surgery was performed in Boston by Dr. Brian McKeon. Rivers, who is expected to be converted into a point guard this season, was limited to just two games during the Hornets’ five-game Las Vegas summer league schedule because of what was termed lower leg soreness. Rivers averaged 10 points and a team-leading 3.5 assists per game in his two summer league appearances. Henry’s surgery took place in Los Angeles where Dr. Neil ElAttrache repaired the damage. Henry played in all five of the Hornets’ summer league games, averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.”