LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, the NBA's top overall draft pick in 2009, will miss the season due to left knee surgery.
He had undergone an accelerated rehabilitation program, but an examination Tuesday led to the decision for knee surgery in the near future.
The 6-foot-10 former Oklahoma All-American did not play this season after suffering a non-displaced left kneecap fracture on Oct. 23 during a pre-season contest against the New Orleans Hornets.
"I've always been one of those guys who wanted to get back as soon as possible and play through a little pain here and there," Griffin told the Los Angeles Times Jan. 10 when answering a question about his playing status. "This is something serious (but) you've got to be smart about it."
The team said in a statement on its Web site Wednesday that Griffin's recovery period will between 4-6 months.
