Eye surgery sidelines Suns' Stoudemire

PHOENIX, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire has had eye surgery and may miss up to eight weeks of the schedule, the NBA team said Friday.

Stoudemire, 26, underwent a procedure to repair a partially detached retina in his right eye. The doctor who performed the surgery estimated it would be eight weeks before Stoudemire could return to physical activity.

"We are very glad to hear that Amare should have a 100 percent recovery relative to his vision and his long-term prognosis is excellent," said Suns General Manager Steve Kerr. "Obviously, it is very disappointing to lose him at this time. We are all very excited about the progress the team is making but Amare's health and the health of all our players is our No. 1 concern."

Stoudemire, who was rumored to be on the trade block this week, is averaging 21.4 points and 8.1 rebounds over 53 games this season. The four-time all-star has played in the NBA for seven seasons -- all with Phoenix -- averaging 21.1 points and 8.9 rebounds a game.