Celtics F Garnett undergoes knee surgery

BOSTON (AP) " Kevin Garnett had surgery Tuesday on his right knee after missing all of the playoffs.

The Boston Celtics defensive star and inspirational leader had bone spurs removed during the arthroscopic surgery.

"I expect Kevin to return to active duty in full force and be that consummate two-way professional that he has shown all of us throughout his fantastic NBA career," coach Doc Rivers said.

Garnett was the NBA's defensive player of the year in 2007-08, his first season with Boston and 13th in the league. He was an outstanding defender again this season but was limited to 57 games. With a strained tendon along with the bone spurs, Garnett played in just four games in the last two months of the regular season.

Two days before the Celtics began their first-round playoff series against the Chicago Bulls, Rivers said he didn't expect Garnett to play at all during the postseason. The Celtics won that series in seven games then were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in seven, ending their hopes to repeat as NBA champions.

Garnett's 57 games were the second fewest in his career. He averaged 15.8 points with 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

He hurt his knee Feb. 19 against the Utah Jazz then missed the next 13 games before returning for four and playing a total of 66 minutes. But he aggravated the injury against Orlando while jumping for a rebound and didn't play again.

"Kevin can now begin to focus on rehabilitating his knee, returning to top physical shape and fully preparing for the 2009-10 season," said Danny Ainge, Boston's president of basketball operations.