New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony Unsure on Surgery
By Chris Roling
New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony has been dealing with a shoulder injury that was either going to heal on its own or he would have to have an operation that could place his availability for the start of next season in jeopardy.
At the end of May, Frank Isola of The NewYork Daily News reported Melo had suffered a small labral tear:
An MRI reveals that Carmelo Anthony is suffering from a small left shoulder tear, Daily News has learned. Knicks hopeful no surgery needed
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) May 23, 2013
Clearly the Knicks have taken a wait-and-see approach to the injury in the hopes it would simply heal up properly. That may not be such a great idea, as ESPN’s Ian Begley spoke to a professional who said it could take up to four months to heal if Melo decides to go under the knife:
"“It depends on the exact diagnosis, but it’s possible that the rehab could take four months,” said Roth, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and the tending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital. “But I would still expect him to see significant improvements in his shoulder in the early portion of the season as he continues to strengthen it.”"
Well, Wednesday it was revealed by Begley via Twitter that the Knicks have still yet to make a decision in regards to the injury, still holding out hope it will heal naturally:
FWIW, a league source says #Knicks still haven't made a decision on shoulder surgery for Carmelo; They remain hopeful he can heal without it
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 26, 2013
It seems as if the Knicks are playing with fire. The team could be in some hot water if it has to go without Melo to start the season because the organization made the wrong decision.
What do you think?