Training camp has only been going for a week, and already some teams are scrambling to replace players lost to injury -- some for the year. Five of the most notable injuries around the league:
Sean May, Bobcats: He underwent microfracture surgery in his right knee at the start of camp, putting him out for the season. May has been plagued by knee injuries over his first two seasons in the NBA. He's only played in 58 of a possible 164 games, sidelined with cartilage surgery (rookie year) and a bone bruise (last season).
Greg Oden, Trailblazers: The No. 1 pick of the 2007 draft knows how May feels, as Greg Oden also underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee. Greg Oden doesn't know how -- or when -- the injury occurred, only that there was a lingering pain in his right knee. Exploratory surgery revealed the injury, and Greg Oden's rookie season was shelved.
Etan Thomas, Wizards: He underwent open heart surgery last Thursday, correcting a leaking aortic valve. Thomas' life-threatening cardiac problem was discovered during a routine physical during camp. He is expected to fully recover and be able to return to play -- but probably not this season.
Amare Stoudemire, Suns: Putting the words "knee surgery" with Stoudemire is a scary prospect for the Suns, but this round was not as scary in the past. He underwent successful arthroscopic right knee surgery two weeks ago, removing floating debris from the joint. He's expected to return to play in a few weeks. It's nowhere nearly as serious as the left knee microfracture surgery and recovery Stoudemire underwent in 2005.
Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston, Los Angeles Clippers: The Clips get the unfortunate distinction of having two star players seriously injured. Elton Brand blew out his left Achilles during an early August workout. He's had corrective surgery and currently is in a walking boot. But if and when he can come back this season is a question mark. Shaun Livingston's injury occurred last February, when he horrifically landed badly on left leg during a fast-break dunk. He blew out every ligament, tore the meniscus, plus broke his kneecap. He obviously didn't play the rest of last season. Shaun Livingston is not expected back until 2008.
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