Nuggets G Atkins has surgery Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Denver Nuggets guard Chucky Atkins will be out
the next six weeks after he had surgery Wednesday on his right knee.
The arthroscopic procedure to repair cartilage and clean out loose bodies was
performed by Nuggets orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steve Traina.
Atkins started having pain in the knee about two weeks ago while playing pick-
up games in preparation for the season. An MRI taken Monday revealed the
problem and surgery was deemed necessary.
The 34-year-old Atkins averaged 4.7 points in 24 games for the Nuggets last
season.... More...
Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony was back at the team's practice Monday and will play in their exhibition game on Wednesday, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
Our View:Anthony was suffering from a bruised left hand. He was out for the team's initial preseason contest but should not miss any additional time.
Guard Allen Iverson will miss Saturday's preseason game against the Suns due to a swollen left knee. He aggravated his contusion on Friday. "It swelled up on me. I might have came back a little too fast after I got it drained," Iverson informs the Denver Post. "I look at the bigger picture. I can't start off the season struggling with an injury. I was blessed to play every game last season, and I want to do that this season."
Our View:Iverson has nothing to prove by fighting through injuries in the preseason. We expect him to be ready for the season opener, but we'll continue to follow his progress.
J.R. Smith scored a game-high 21 points in Friday's 118-95 preseason win over Minnesota, to go along with two rebounds, two assists, and four steals. He played just under 26 minutes, which also led the team.
Our View:Smith is battling for the starting guard spot opposite Allen Iverson, and tonight's performance helped improve his odds.
