Photo: Gary A. Vasquez - US Presswire
- Adam ParkerLike Dwight Howard, Chris Bosh and LaMarcus Aldridge before him, Blake Griffin is the latest big man set to miss the fast approaching London Olympics.
The Los Angeles Clippers star forward has been diagnosed with a medial meniscus tear of his left knee and, according to a Los Angeles Times report, will likely have arthroscopic surgery early next week.
The Times, citing NBA executives, reports Griffin is expected to miss two months, but should be fully recovered by the start of Clippers training camp in October.
Needless to say, Griffin's injury will keep him from competing in the upcoming Olympic Games in London.
"We're relieved that this does not affect Blake's ability to be ready in time for training camp," Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said in a statement. "Missing out on the Olympic experience will be tough for him to take. I know how dedicated he was to doing that. We're glad we can get this fixed now and take advantage of the available time for him to fully recover."
USA Basketball said in a statement that Griffin reported experiencing discomfort in the knee during a scrimmage at Team USA training camp. Griffin missed Thursday night's 113-59 rout over the Dominican Republic in Team USA's first exhibition game prior to the London Games.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo suggested the soreness in Griffin's knee was related to the injury he suffered during the 2012 NBA Playoffs.
"The reality is, that injury took place at the end of the season," Colangelo said. "And he had an option to get scoped and he opted not to get scoped. And so, I guess he aggravated it. Whether he's able to play now remains to be seen."
Griffin did not show any obvious signs that he was encumbered by an injury on Wednesday, and a source told ESPN's Marc Stein that Griffin's knee "swelled up" after the scrimmage.
Another bad break for Team USA in a summer that's already been filled with so many blows to the roster. With his injury, Griffin joins Howard, Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose on the list of players the Americans lost to injuries prior to the Olympics.
Griffin, who was expected to see time primarily at center for Team USA, will surely be missed and it's unknown whether he will compete in future Olympics after inking a maximum five-year, $95 million contract with the Clippers. Considering his prior history with knee injuries -- most notably the one that cost Griffin what would have been his rookie season in 2009-10 -- I'd say the chances of him ever suiting up for Team USA again are getting slimmer by the day.
But never fear, because The Brow is here!
The Brow is taking its talents across the pond, to the home of Big Ben -- the clock, not the quarterback -- to take the roster spot of Griffin for Team USA in London.
Oh, and New Orleans Hornets rookie Anthony Davis -- the NBA's 2012 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Kentucky -- is coming too.
Good luck in the Olympics, Team USA! Bring home the gold!
Oh, and for the sake of everything that is dear to NBA fans everywhere, please, try not to get hurt.
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