Three Cheers for Surgically Repaired Knees

Posted May 12, 2007 12:15PM By TheHype (RSS feed)

The term 'microfracture surgery' probably scares more NBA players than the thought of getting viciously dunked on. It's a tough process, even after the procedure: they'd have to be disciplined to go through the rehab while being mentally strong as they try to push all the fears of 'am I still the same player' away.

A good deal of NBA players weren't the same after surgery, so that's why I'm that much more appreciative of the feel-good story comebacks of Amare Stoudamire and Jason Kidd. They've not only regained back their knees, but are competing at their normal high intensity level -- well into postseason.

Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution brought this up in his article:

All-Star talents like Penny Hardaway, Jamal Mashburn, Allan Houston and Terrell Brandon - not to mention lesser known players such as former Hawks forward Chris Crawford - were never the same after they couldn't fully recover from a procedure that requires doctors to replace worn-away cartilage by making tiny holes in a patient's bone to stir the flow of blood and help regenerate cartilage-cell production.

But these playoffs have shown the other side of the story. Stoudemire has continued his relentless assault on the basket on both ends of the floor, averaging 24.0 points and 13.6 rebounds. Webber, 34, has already bagged a 22-point, seven-rebound night in a win over the Bulls.

Kidd, 34, is doing the unthinkable, averaging a triple double - 13.5 points, 12.0 assists and 10.0 rebounds - this postseason.

It's also great the it was Jason Kidd that Amare went to get advice about the whole process. Here's to thanking the sport medicine world for continuing to give us the joy of watching STAT destroy the rim (if even some others don't like it that much); the amazement in witnessing yet another triple double from JKidd; the exhilaration of seeing McDyess hit that sweet 15 foot jumper; and Matt Harping's ... um ... well, I'm sure Jazz fans appreciate something from him as well.