Timberwolves' Jefferson undergoes successful surgery

Kansas City Star—February 18, 2009

Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson underwent successful surgery Wednesday to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.

Dr. David Altchek performed the procedure Wednesday morning at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Jefferson, who suffered the injury in a February 8 game against New Orleans, will be sidelined indefinitely.

The injury occurred with just 27.2 seconds left in the game against the Hornets, when the 24-year-old attempted to block a shot by New Orleans' Sean Marks.

In the process, Jefferson landed on his right leg awkwardly and hopped to midcourt, where he eventually fell to the floor while writhing in pain before being helped off the court.

In 50 games with Minnesota this year, the 6-foot-10 Jefferson is seventh in the NBA with 23.1 points per game and sixth with 11.0 rebounds per game. He is one of only three NBA players this season to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, joining San Antonio's Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard of Orlando.