Russell Westbrook has knee surgery

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook will miss the first four to six weeks of the regular season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday.

The team announced that Westbrook needed the operation after experiencing swelling in his right knee, which he injured during last season's playoffs.

The three-time All-Star had surgery on the same knee April 27 to repair a torn lateral meniscus.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a release that the swelling in Westbrook's knee was caused by a loose stitch from the previous surgery and that Westbrook's meniscus has healed properly.

Presti commended Westbrook for his hard work in rehabbing from the original surgery but acknowledged that an additional operation provided the 24-year-old with "the best chance" to return at 100 percent.

"Russell has been incredible in his work and rehabilitation," Presti said in the release. "He has been pain-free and has performed at a high level during practice but has experienced recent swelling that had not subsided.

"After careful consideration and recommendations from the medical team, we elected to do the procedure today based on our consulting physician's belief that the swelling would be alleviated and in turn give Russell the best chance for sustained performance throughout the season and beyond."

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Jesse Johnson/USA TODAY SportsRussell Westbrook experienced swelling in his surgically repaired right knee, prompting another operation that will sideline the Thunder guard at least the first four weeks of the regular season.

Last week, Westbrook said once he's fully recovered, he doesn't plan on changing anything about his playing style, including his ability to drive to the basket.

Westbrook averaged 23.2 points and 7.4 assists last season for the Thunder, who finished with the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs. He was injured in Game 2 of a first-round series against the Houston Rockets, a series won by Oklahoma City in six games.

In the conference semifinals, the Thunder clearly missed Westbrook's presence in losing to the Memphis Grizzlies in five games.

Oklahoma City needs offensive help alongside Kevin Durant and Westbrook following the departure of Kevin Martin, who averaged 14 points per game last season.

Some of the offense is expected to be picked up by third-year guard Reggie Jackson, who averaged 13.9 points in the playoffs after averaging just 5.3 during the regular season. Also, forward Serge Ibaka returns after averaging 13.2 points per game last season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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