Paul Millsap would not disclose the nature of the non-surgical procedure that he had on his right knee that will shut him down the first three weeks of training camp. However, the Hawks All-Star power forward said the timing was right after he experienced persistent swelling.
“The knee feels good right now,” Millsap said Monday as the Hawks held media day to open training camp. “It feels good. The decision came when there was constant swelling. I would have swelling and I would rest it for a few days. It would go down but came right back when I got on (the court).”
The Hawks announced last week that Millsap underwent a preventive procedure that will sideline him. He is expected to miss at least the first two exhibition games. The issue arose during voluntary summer scrimmages.
Millsap said the procedure was not a platelet rich plasma injection.
“Timing is good now because it is preseason,” Millsap said. “I think it’s better to get a jump on the situation before it gets out of hand. For myself, it’s tough to sit out of practices for sit out of workouts especially at the beginning of the year. It will be my first training camp that I’m not really a part of. It’s going to be tough for me but I think it’s the best decision that we made.”
Millsap has been a constant for the Hawks during his three seasons. He has appeared in 228 regular-season games, including 81 last season.
“It’s not really a concern but it’s something that we are going to be cautious about,” Millsap said. “It’s a long season so the healthier the better.”
