Deron Williams Injury: Updates on Nets Star's Ankle Surgeries and Recovery

Updates from Wednesday, July 23

The Brooklyn Nets' official Twitter account provided an update on Deron Williams recovery:

Updates from Tuesday, May 27

The Nets released a statement on Deron Williams' ankle surgeries:

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Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams underwent successful surgery today on both ankles, General Manager Billy King announced today. The surgery was performed by Nets’ foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Martin O’Malley.

“The arthroscopic surgery performed today on Deron’s left ankle included the removal of spurs from the front and back of the ankle, as well as a cleaning out of his ankle joint,’ said Dr. O’Malley. “In addition, Deron underwent a procedure on his right ankle to remove a loose bone fragment that was below his right ankle joint. Deron is expected to be on crutches for 4-6 weeks and then begin rehabilitation. He is scheduled to begin light court activities in August, which will progress to full basketball activities in September. Deron is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the beginning of training camp.”

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Original Text:

The Brooklyn Nets announced on Thursday that star point guard Deron Williams is set to have double ankle surgery on May 27:

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The surgery will be performed by Nets’ foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Martin O’Malley.

“Deron will undergo surgery on both ankles next Tuesday,” said Dr. O’Malley. “He will have a bone chip removed from his right ankle, and the left ankle will have an arthroscopic cleanout with removal of spurs from both the front and back of the ankle. Deron is expected to make a full recovery.”

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Bleacher Report's Will Carroll provides details about the nature of the surgeries:

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Williams' surgeries were both minor. Bone chip removal is jokingly referred to by orthopedists as "playing Operation" and amounts to just finding the pieces and pulling them out. The cleanup on the ligament is a bit more involved, but neither surgery should have an extended rehab. Sometimes surgeries are very involved and some are maintenance to prevent further issues coming up during the season; this was the latter for Williams and the Nets.

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The three-time All-Star has had previous ankle issues before, which have largely robbed him of his athleticism. Surgeries on both ankles this summer will only exacerbate the problem.

Meanwhile, the Nets may be stuck with Williams for the long term now. Bleacher Report's Howard Beck reported that the team was weighing its trade options regarding Williams, but Brooklyn will likely find few takers on a 29-year-old point guard coming off ankle surgery who's due to make a little over $63 million over the next three seasons.

The Nets mortgaged their future in order to try and win in the present, and the strategy looks to be backfiring in a big way.

For better or worse, Williams will continue commanding a major presence in the Nets' lineup, at least for the next three years. Brooklyn will be hopeful that his surgeries go according to plan, and that he rejuvenate his career.