The Nuggets’ Chucky Atkins will begin this season just like last season: rehabbing an injury instead of playing.
Atkins, who is projected to be the team’s starting point guard, underwent surgery Wednesday on torn meniscus in his right knee, six days before training camp begins. Nuggets coach George Karl said he does not expect to see Atkins before the season begins.
“I don’t think he’ll get any training camp in,” Karl said.
According to the team, Atkins started feeling pain about two weeks ago during pickup games. Surgery was decided after an MRI on Monday. He is expected to miss six weeks.
“I feel bad for Chucky,” Karl said. “Some of our guys went down and visited him in Orlando about two or three weeks ago and said he was in great shape and playing great, and was doing more work and conditioning than he’s ever done before.”
Atkins played in just 24 games last season because of a groin injury and hernia surgery. The starting point guard spot now is open for Anthony Carter, who took over and ran with the role last season. Carter signed a one-year contract extension in the summer.
To bolster depth at point guard, Karl said the Nuggets expect to add former Michigan State star Mateen Cleaves and possibly former Virginia Tech player Jamon Gordon to the preseason roster.
As for the regular season, which for the Nuggets starts Oct. 29 at Utah, Karl said he will experiment with the rotation at lead guard.
“I think you’ll see me mess around with point-forward and J.R. (Smith),” Karl said.
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
