Jefferson has appendectomy
Forward could be sidelined 6 weeks
Al Jefferson underwent an emergency appendectomy at New England Baptist Hospital yesterday and could miss up to six weeks.
Executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge and coach Doc Rivers were unwilling to set a timetable for Jefferson's return, preferring to side with optimistic estimates of two to three weeks.
Rivers said doctors treating Jefferson predicted a full recovery would take four to six weeks.
The surgery is the latest in a series of unfortunate and untimely setbacks for Jefferson, who underwent right ankle surgery in the offseason after suffering left and right ankle sprains during the 2005-06 campaign.
"I don't think that it's a major setback," said Ainge. "It's a minor setback for Al.
"We feel like he'll be 100 percent in two to three weeks. That's why we have a 15-man roster."
Jefferson, 21, arrived at shootaround yesterday morning complaining of stomach pain that started Tuesday night.
Trainer Ed Lacerte quickly recognized that the pain might be appendicitis and rushed Jefferson to a doctor. Tests indicated Jefferson needed immediate surgery.
Rivers said those examining Jefferson initially feared the forward had a ruptured appendix.
If the appendix had ruptured, Jefferson may have been forced to miss the rest of the season, leading Rivers to take something positive away from the incident.
Ainge said Jefferson would stay overnight at New England Baptist, where the surgery was performed by Dr. Steven Camer and Dr. Farhat Homsy, assisted by team physician Brian McKeon.
Ainge said he would not be surprised to see Jefferson back watching practice in a few days.
"It's so unexpected I didn't have a plan for it," said Rivers. "He told us his stomach was hurting [yesterday] morning and now he's out.
"It's a tough loss more for Al. Every year, it just seems like he's about to start playing well and then he goes down. Now, even though he may be out for two or three weeks, you lose your timing, you lose your conditioning. And I'm sure you lose your confidence . . . I feel bad for Al."
Jefferson averaged 11.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 26.7 minutes in three games this season.
Last season, it took Jefferson longer than expected to recover from both ankle sprains, sidetracking his sophomore effort.
"Eddie [Lacerte] thought it would be more than three weeks, but I don't like putting a time line on anyone," said Rivers. "I'm not going to put one on Al . . . Everyone heals differently. All these injuries are different."
"I just wanted to come out and be more aggressive, especially on the defensive and offensive boards," said Gomes. "From the start of it I think I did a good job and that got me into my rhythm. I got a few easy baskets early and everything else just fell into place."
Pierce, on the other hand, was not happy with the 12 turnovers, an unofficial franchise record. Cedric Maxwell committed 11 turnovers Dec. 30, 1978, though it should be noted the league did not start tracking individual turnovers until the 1977-78 season.
