BOSTON -- Celtics coach Doc Rivers said the team was informed Monday afternoon that Jeff Green's surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm "went great" and hopes the process will one day allow Green to return to an NBA court.

"Surgery went well, he had surgery today -- they’re saying it went great," said Rivers. "Obviously, our thoughts, our prayers, and every part of being is with Jeff right now.

"The second news we want to hear is that he’ll be able to play again. That would be terrific. I don’t care if it’s with us -- I want it to be with us -- [but] I just want him to [be able to play again]. Really, at the end of the day, that’s what we want."

River said he talked with Green on Friday to wish him well with Monday's procedure at the Cleveland Clinic. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge came down on the floor during the team's afternoon session to relay the encouraging news that surgery went well.

Green will miss the entire 2011-12 season due to the surgery, but doctors are optimistic he'll be able to return to the court during the 2012-13 season if recovery goes well.