Warriors' David Lee undergoes surgery on torn hip flexor
A torn hip flexor sidelined David Lee during the 2013 playoffs. (Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images)
The Warriors announced Thursday that All-Star forward David Lee underwent successful surgery to address his torn right hip flexor. It's unclear how long Lee will be sidelined from basketball-related activities, but the Warriors announced his rehabilitation will begin within 10 to 14 days.
Lee injured his right hip during Game 1 of Golden State's first-round playoff series against Denver. Lee suffered the injury on a drive to the hoop that ended with him absorbing contact from JaVale McGee and falling awkwardly to the court early in the fourth quarter.
After attempting his free throws, Lee doubled over in pain and immediately departed the court, favoring his right hip area. The Warriors initially announced that Lee suffered a "probable hip flexor strain" before further testing revealed that he had actually suffered a complete tear.
Although that injury was dubbed season-ending, Lee made a surprise return during Game 6 against the Nuggets and also saw limited action during a Western Conference semifinals series against the Spurs. Golden State was eventually eliminated by San Antonio in six games.
Lee, 30, averaged 18.5 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season, earning his second All-Star nod. He suffered his hip injury in the first playoff game of his eight-year NBA career and posted averages of five points and 4.7 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game in his six playoff appearances.
