Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul will be sidelined eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. The all-star guard suffered the injury during training camp prior to Team USA’s gold medal in the 2012 Olympics.
Paul is projected to resume full basketball activities following the eight week timetable.
The 27-year-old guard participated in all eight Olympic games despite the injury, averaging 8.3 points, 5 assists and 2.5 steals. The Clippers were hit hard with injuries in the offseason, with star forward Blake Griffin suffering a torn meniscus during Olympic training camp.
Paul was dealt to Los Angeles prior to the 2011-12 season, averaging 19.8 points and 9.1 rebounds while leading his team to the second round of the playoffs.
Paul declined an offer from Los Angeles for a three year, $60 million extension on July 1. Paul can play out his contract and resign with the team for a five-year, $105 million deal or take less money to go elsewhere. Griffin accepted his extension on July 1, a five-year deal worth up to $95 million.
The Clippers are looking to build on their playoff run from 2011-2012, and need to in order to keep Paul in town past this season. The team added veterans Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Lamar Odom, Ryan Hollins and Ronny Turiaf in the offseason.
Zach Mink covers the NBA for Rant Sports. Follow him on twitter @zachmink12 for more news and analysis.
