Spencer Hawes to have knee surgery

SACRAMENTO — Rather than prepare for tonight's exhibition opener against his hometown Sonics at ARCO Arena, Spencer Hawes is preparing for arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Wednesday, which could delay his rookie NBA season.

The best-case scenario for the Sacramento Kings' center is a two to four weeks' recovery, but given his history with knee problems, the Kings are unsure when he would be able to play. Hawes has had at least four procedures, including at least two scopes on the left knee.

If this surgery doesn't work, Hawes could face more serious microfracture surgery, which could end his season.

"He will be evaluated after the first procedure," Kings spokesman Darrin May said in a telephone interview this morning. "I can't tell you how long he'll be out because I'm not a doctor. All I know is he's having arthroscopic surgery performed tomorrow and we'll take it from there."

Seahawks team physician Dr. Lawerence Holland, who has operated on Hawes in the past, will perform the surgery in Seattle.

Taken 10th overall in the draft, the 7-foot Hawes, 19, has been vague about his knee problems during his one-year with the Washington Huskies and while he was a standout at Seattle Prep. He told reporters in Sacramento that he underwent microfracture surgery when he was 14.

It's believed he had at least one procedure on his knee in high school and last year before the Husky season. The fear of another surgery may have prompted him to enter the draft with three years of eligibility remaining.

"He's a good kid and everyone here still feels good about taking him," May said.

Hawes has not practiced in training camp since twisting his knee Sept. 27 during a conditioning drill. He underwent two MRIs, which revealed loose cartilage.

"He was kind of upset," said Sonics rookie Kevin Durant, who is a close friend of Hawes. "Everybody wants to play. I just told him to slow down and don't rush in to it and you'll be back in no time."

Last month, the Blazers' Greg Oden, the No. 1 overall pick, underwent an exploratory procedure to repair damage in his right knee and needed microfracture surgery, which ended his season. Charlotte forward Sean May was expected to undergo microfracture surgery today and miss the season as well.