Pacers’ Chris Copeland out 6-8 weeks following knee surgery

Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, a procedure that is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks, the team announced today.The operation was to remove a loose body from Copeland’s knee. It was performed earlier this morning in Indiana, and the recovery time is listed at six to eight weeks. Considering the current projected timeframe, Copeland is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.Copeland signed with the Pacers earlier this offseason after spending last year with the New York Knicks. Over 56 games with the Knicks, Copeland averaged 8.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 15.4 minutes per contest. The 6’8” forward also averaged 42.1 percent from three-point range.Considering having your knee scoped is a standard surgery, especially during the offseason, Copeland should be able to return within the current projected timeframe. Even if the Pacers decide to err on the side of caution and give him a bit longer, he should still be ready to go within plenty of time for the start of the 2013 regular season.Follow @hoopsinjurynews