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Nuggets' Hunter out for six weeks

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 16, 2007 at 2:13 p.m.
Updated November 16, 2007 at 2:13 p.m.

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Nuggets center Steven Hunter has been ruled out for six weeks following knee surgery Friday. But while that might sound like a long time, Hunter emerged from the procedure feeling relieved.

“Just mentally, I’m feeling better,’’ Hunter said. “I’ve been playing with a bum knee since training camp and now finally the pain is over. Hopefully, I can get healthy and come back stronger… (Denver fans) are finally going to get the real Steven Hunter when I get out there playing.’’

Hunter, acquired in September from Philadelphia, underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. Hunter said team doctor Steve Traina cleaned out loose cartilage.

“They found a little bit more than they were expecting, so it’s going to take a little more time,’’ said Nuggets coach George Karl, surprised a bit by how long Hunter will be out.

Hunter, though, said he was told by the doctor before the surgery he would be out six weeks.

Hunter has been used sparingly by the Nuggets, having played just 19 minutes in four games. However, with forward/center

Nene out until late December with a torn thumb ligament, there might have been chances for Hunter to have played meaningful minutes against big front lines.

While it isn’t panic time yet, Karl has some concerns about having lost depth in the post.

“You got foul trouble. You got Kenyon’s minutes,’’ said Karl, referring to Martin being limited to 25 as he works his way back from knee surgery. “Another injury. You’re not there yet. But you don’t want to play a stretch of games (undermanned).’’

In addition to Nene and Hunter, the Nuggets also have lost point guards Chucky Atkins and Anthony Carter to injury. Point guard Mike Wilks recently missed five games with a strained hamstring, but returned Wednesday against Portland.

Wilks missed practice Thursday and Friday due to his wife, Kimberly, having a baby boy in Huntsville, Ala. But Karl anticipates Wilks will be back for Saturday’s home game against New York.