Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin
will miss the Olympics after suffering an injury to his left knee during
practice for the U.S. national team Wednesday.
Griffin underwent an MRI Thursday and was diagnosed with a medial meniscus
tear of his left knee and will have arthroscopic surgery. The team said
Griffin will be ready for training camp this fall.
"We're relieved that this does not affect Blake's ability to be ready in time
for training camp," said Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro. "Missing out on
the Olympic experience will be tough for him to take. I know how dedicated he
was to doing that. We're glad we can get this fixed now and take advantage of
the available time for him to fully recover."
Alternate Anthony Davis, the No. 1 draft pick by the Hornets, suited up
instead of Griffin for Thursday night's 113-59 U.S. exhibition win over
the Dominican Republic in Las Vegas. Davis had nine points.
Griffin originally hurt the knee in a Game 5 loss to Memphis in the first
round of the playoffs. Griffin had surgery for a stress fracture on his left
kneecap, causing him to miss the 2009-10 season.
The following season, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year. A two-time All-
Star, Griffin averaged 20.7 points and 10.9 rebounds while not missing a
regular season game this past season. He hasn't missed a contest over the
first two playing years of his career.
The Sports Network