Jahlil Okafor To Undergo Meniscus Surgery, Miss At Least Six Weeks

Philadelphia 76ers rookie big man Jahlil Okafor will undergo a “minor” surgery on his meniscus and miss at least six weeks, the team announced Friday, effectively ending his season.

Here’s the statement from GM Sam Hinkie:

“Jahlil recently started to experience discomfort in his right knee, which we immediately investigated. After a comprehensive series of tests and additional evaluation by our medical team, it was revealed that he has a small tear of the meniscus. Jahlil will undergo a minor arthroscopic procedure to address the injury. Timing and details of the procedure will be finalized in the coming days.

“Our medical team will continually monitor and evaluate Jahlil’s progress, and we anticipate he will resume full basketball activities in approximately six weeks.”

For those keeping track at home, Okafor becomes the last of the three big men the Sixers selected with high lottery picks to suffer a significant injury, though Okafor’s is certainly less serious. Nerlens Noel missed the entirety of the 2013-14 season while recovering from ACL surgery, while Joel Embiid has missed the past two seasons after multiple surgeries on his right foot.

The 76ers are 8-56.

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