The Utah Jazz will be without top scorer Carlos Boozer for the foreseeable future, announcing on Tuesday that the two-time All-Star needs surgery on his left knee.
Boozer originally suffered a strained quadriceps tendon and a bone bruise on November 19 as he went up for a rebound and landed awkwardly late in the fourth quarter of a National Basketball Association victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The injury was thought to b slight, and Boozer initially was listed as day-to-day.
However, he has missed 21 consecutive games, depleting a Jazz lineup that has been plagued by injuries all season.
Boozer has undergone three MRI exams, with doctors finally confirming that he would need surgery on his left knee joint.
The Jazz have not set a timetable for Boozer's return.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported Tuesday that general manager Kevin O'Connor has said the two-time All-Star will be sidelined for at least another month.
Setting things back even further is a laceration "very near the scope site" that hasn't yet healed, pushing the date of surgery back to January 9.
Prior to his injury, Boozer was averaging a team-best 20.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per contest.
He has repeatedly stated his desire to get back on the court as soon as possible, but said his knee is too painful to allow him to perform effectively.
Source: AFP American Edition
