Kemba Walker to have surgery on torn meniscus, timeline unclear

The bothersome injury thought to be a cyst on Kemba Walker's left knee is actually something much worse.

Walker will undergo surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, the Charlotte Hornets announced Monday. The team did not release a timetable for his return, but earlier reports pegged his potential absence at approximately six weeks. The team is said to be hopeful he can return in six weeks.

Walker missed two games last week due to soreness in the knee before returning for two games and then once again hitting the shelf. He's dealt with the cyst since his high school days and had been playing through the pain caused by the meniscus injury for some time.

The red-hot Hornets are 2-1 without Walker so far, but their chances of hanging onto the Eastern Conference playoff spot they're presently in possession of take a big hit with their top scorer on the shelf. 

"He's been by far our best player," head coach Steve Clifford said Monday. "It would be a significant hit."

Walker is averaging 18.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists, and the replacement options behind him - an out-of-position Lance Stephenson, an out-of-action Jannero Pargo and an out-of-depth Brian Roberts - suggest the Hornets' offense could be in for a tough go. The team is reportedly already getting active on the trade market to find additional help.

The banged-up Hornets have had little-to-no luck in the injury department, losing Walker, Stephenson and Al Jefferson for long stretches. Their rise from 10-24 to 19-26 has been impressive, but the Hornets will need help, something they've already begun actively pursuing.