Leon Powe Status (microfracture surgery)

[vinnie]

Last two posts really not funny, considering the guy's career is in question given the microfracture issue. 

[yall hate]

Last two posts really not funny, considering the guy's career is in question given the microfracture issue. 

First, while microfracture is still serious, it is not nearly the 'death sentence' it once was.  Second, the posts (at least mine) was more mocking other fans on the site who hear an ounce of KG news and assume it means he is flying into the game to play. 

[pengaloo]

Per Jeff on the front page:

The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Leon Powe underwent successful ACL revision reconstruction with microfracture and cartilage repair at New England Baptist Hospital this morning. The surgery was preformed by Celtics Team Physician, Dr. Brian McKeon and was assisted by Dr. Paul Weitzel and Dr. John Richmond. No timetable has been set for Powe’s return.

I don't mean to sound insensitive regarding the team doctors (I'm sure they're very good), but Boston has some of the best hospitals in the world... New England Baptist Hospital is not one of them. How come the Celtics don't get treated at a better hospital? I mean, Ainge went to Mass General following his heart attack. I can't help but think that there might be better doctors out there. And that KG's situation might have gone differently...

[yall hate]

Per Jeff on the front page:

The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Leon Powe underwent successful ACL revision reconstruction with microfracture and cartilage repair at New England Baptist Hospital this morning. The surgery was preformed by Celtics Team Physician, Dr. Brian McKeon and was assisted by Dr. Paul Weitzel and Dr. John Richmond. No timetable has been set for Powe’s return.

I don't mean to sound insensitive regarding the team doctors (I'm sure they're very good), but Boston has some of the best hospitals in the world... New England Baptist Hospital is not one of them. How come the Celtics don't get treated at a better hospital? I mean, Ainge went to Mass General following his heart attack. I can't help but think that there might be better doctors out there. And that KG's situation might have gone differently...

well, if the C's wanted their specific dr doing the surgery, which he did, it is possible that that was the hospital where he had priveleges at. 

I understand what you are saying, but if they wanted him doing it, then the specific hospital is of less importance (that isnt to say the nurses, cleanliness, etc has an impact). 

[GeoDim]

Last two posts really not funny, considering the guy's career is in question given the microfracture issue. 

Get over it.  He's an athlete.  God forbid these guys' careers end they might have to actually get a real job like everyone else.  Yeah, he had a rough upbringing, but he's made high 6-figures for the past 3 years.  That would be plenty for me to get by for about 30 years.

[PosImpos]

Last two posts really not funny, considering the guy's career is in question given the microfracture issue. 

Get over it.  He's an athlete.  God forbid these guys' careers end they might have to actually get a real job like everyone else.  Yeah, he had a rough upbringing, but he's made high 6-figures for the past 3 years.  That would be plenty for me to get by for about 30 years.

Maybe so, but that argument (which gets made a lot) misses the point.

Playing basketball is what Leon does well, it's his excellence.  The ability to do what he does well and show his excellence may have been taken away from him forever, completely beyond his control and nothing to do with his own doing.

We have to feel bad when something happens like that, especially to such a nice guy.

[moiso]

Ooh I didn't think they would have to do microfracture for his injury.  That's really not good.

[Roy Hobbs]

Last two posts really not funny, considering the guy's career is in question given the microfracture issue. 

Get over it.  He's an athlete.  God forbid these guys' careers end they might have to actually get a real job like everyone else.  Yeah, he had a rough upbringing, but he's made high 6-figures for the past 3 years.  That would be plenty for me to get by for about 30 years.

Maybe so, but that argument (which gets made a lot) misses the point.

Playing basketball is what Leon does well, it's his excellence.  The ability to do what he does well and show his excellence may have been taken away from him forever, completely beyond his control and nothing to do with his own doing.

We have to feel bad when something happens like that, especially to such a nice guy.

Yeah, I tend to agree with this.  Regardless of how much money somebody has made, I'd feel bad for somebody who has their livelihood ripped away from them at a young age.  Leon sounds like a good guy, and if this injury does turn out to be career ending (which I don't think it would), I'd think we could all offer some compassion.  In directing scorn at athletes for their outrageous contracts, I don't think Leon's $1.9 million over three years would be the example I chose.

[CoachBo]

Ditto.
I hope that Leon and the Celtics are able to agree on a low-dollar extension, since he's not likely to help us this year.
With that said, we've got to build a legitimate, championship-caliber bench this summer and the focus will shift away from "keeping the boyz togehter," as another poster put it. We can't devote big dollars to sentimentality.

[Roy Hobbs]

With that said, we've got to build a legitimate, championship-caliber bench this summer and the focus will shift away from "keeping the boyz togehter," as another poster put it. We can't devote big dollars to sentimentality.

Absolutely agreed.  However, if we're going to keep "low risk, high reward" projects on the roster, I'd rather see it be a guy with legitimate talent and a ton of heart like Leon Powe, rather than a waste of space like Patrick O'Bryant.  Our team can absorb one project / risk on the roster, so long as the other 14 spots are filled with legit talent (something Danny missed the mark on last off-season).

[klg05]

Per Jeff on the front page:

The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Leon Powe underwent successful ACL revision reconstruction with microfracture and cartilage repair at New England Baptist Hospital this morning. The surgery was preformed by Celtics Team Physician, Dr. Brian McKeon and was assisted by Dr. Paul Weitzel and Dr. John Richmond. No timetable has been set for Powe’s return.

I don't mean to sound insensitive regarding the team doctors (I'm sure they're very good), but Boston has some of the best hospitals in the world... New England Baptist Hospital is not one of them. How come the Celtics don't get treated at a better hospital? I mean, Ainge went to Mass General following his heart attack. I can't help but think that there might be better doctors out there. And that KG's situation might have gone differently...

well, if the C's wanted their specific dr doing the surgery, which he did, it is possible that that was the hospital where he had priveleges at. 

I understand what you are saying, but if they wanted him doing it, then the specific hospital is of less importance (that isnt to say the nurses, cleanliness, etc has an impact). 

On the contrary, if you ever want to have any kind of reconstructive knee surgery, New England Baptist is the best hospital in Boston to have it done.  I would venture to say that all of the athletes in Boston who have orthopedic surgery have it done at New England Baptist.  However, I do agree, if you have a heart attack, definitely go to Mass General.

[wdleehi]

With that said, we've got to build a legitimate, championship-caliber bench this summer and the focus will shift away from "keeping the boyz togehter," as another poster put it. We can't devote big dollars to sentimentality.

Absolutely agreed.  However, if we're going to keep "low risk, high reward" projects on the roster, I'd rather see it be a guy with legitimate talent and a ton of heart like Leon Powe, rather than a waste of space like Patrick O'Bryant.  Our team can absorb one project / risk on the roster, so long as the other 14 spots are filled with legit talent (something Danny missed the mark on last off-season).

Not sure if the Celtics can afford a roster space on another project. 


And Powe may be cleared to play half way through next season, but when will he be close to where he is now? 


Lets face it, Powe with no lift or energy isn't an NBA level player.  He is just to small.

[footey]

With that said, we've got to build a legitimate, championship-caliber bench this summer and the focus will shift away from "keeping the boyz togehter," as another poster put it. We can't devote big dollars to sentimentality.

Absolutely agreed.  However, if we're going to keep "low risk, high reward" projects on the roster, I'd rather see it be a guy with legitimate talent and a ton of heart like Leon Powe, rather than a waste of space like Patrick O'Bryant.  Our team can absorb one project / risk on the roster, so long as the other 14 spots are filled with legit talent (something Danny missed the mark on last off-season).

That waste of space played well in Toronto the last two games of the season when given decent minutes for the first time.  Would rather have him on our team than Mikki Moore.

[BillfromBoston]

For the Record, here are the facts on microfracture:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microfracture_surgery#cite_note-6

Leon is looking at a lengthy recovery and probably shouldn't rush to get back next season - he should allow the rehab to dictate his recovery time or he'll risk further injury.

Once his leg is back up to 100% of its former strength he won't be in danger of a compensation injury or re-aggravating the knee - which is what he did to the first ACL he had.

I expect Leon to recover fairly quickly because he is both young and an extremely diligent worker, so he'll get the most out of his rehab.

There is definitely a spot on this roster for him as the team will likely rid themselves of 3 current players, (Moore, Pruitt, TA) and will get a fantastic deal on Leon's contract, which makes him a good investment.

Regardless, don't look for him to be back until March/April in all likelihood. Microfracture is going to extend the rehab process because they are not going to want to push the bounds of the rehab time and should opt for maximum recovery before putting him on the court.

Best guy i've ever met in pro basketball - Gomes included - be a shame if he isn't given a chance to show he can recover and contribute to this team again. 

[Roy Hobbs]

With that said, we've got to build a legitimate, championship-caliber bench this summer and the focus will shift away from "keeping the boyz togehter," as another poster put it. We can't devote big dollars to sentimentality.

Absolutely agreed.  However, if we're going to keep "low risk, high reward" projects on the roster, I'd rather see it be a guy with legitimate talent and a ton of heart like Leon Powe, rather than a waste of space like Patrick O'Bryant.  Our team can absorb one project / risk on the roster, so long as the other 14 spots are filled with legit talent (something Danny missed the mark on last off-season).

That waste of space played well in Toronto the last two games of the season when given decent minutes for the first time.  Would rather have him on our team than Mikki Moore.

I choose not to make conclusions about players in the last two games of the season, especially when they're playing on lottery teams.  If I did, I'd be advocating trading Ray Allen for Ike Diogu.