The guard may miss six to nine months with a torn knee ligament.His new contract was not finalized. By Joe Juliano Inquirer Staff Writer http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/12400235.htm Willie Green didn't seem to being worst before he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee yesterday.But the 76ers gurad ended up getting the worst possible news. Doctor had to reconstruct a torn anterior cruciate ligament during surgery in Birmingham, Ala. Green, 24, is excepted to be sidelined six to nine months, raising the possibility that he will have to sit out the entire 2005-2006 season. Green, who has played both of his NBA seasons with the Sixers.injured his knee during a pickup game about four weeks ago in his hometown of Detroit.The incident occured shortli after he had agreed to a six-year,$20million contract with the Sixers. Green and the sixers could not finalize the contract because of a moratorium in place that prohibited signings while the new collective-bargaining agreement between players and owners was worked out.As a result, the deal never was consummated. Now, Sixers president and general manager Billy King will sit down with Noah Croom, the seattle-based agent for Green, to talk about the contract situation. "I'm happy that the surgury was success"King said in a statement."I have been in contact with Willie's agent and we are exploring option with Willie.There will be no immediate anwser at this time." Croom, who was in Birmingham with Green, said he and Billy King talked after the surgery and probably will meet later this week. "I'll let him know how Willie feel and where he's at with surgery respect to the surgery."Croom said"And i expect Billy to let us know how he feels and what he think is best for the 76ers." "I think it's going to be a little while before we have some sort of resolution. It's not going to happen overnight." At worst, Green could sign a qualifying offer of $775,000 that was tendered in June by the Sixers. That gave the team the right to match any offer extended by another team to Green, a restricted free agent. Yesterday's 75-minute procedure was performed by surgeon James Andrews of the Alabama Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, with Sixers team physician Jack McPhilemy assisting. "Willie had a left-knee ACL reconstruction and repair of a lateral meniscus [cartilage] tear," McPhilemy said in a statement. "The surgery went well. Willie is expected to begin rehab in a couple of days." Croom said Green's spirits were good and that he was eager to start his rehabilitation. "Getting back on the court is his objective right now," Croom said. "I don't sense any frustration. Willie is determined to get back as quickly as possible. I think [his return] will be closer to six months than nine, but we want to make sure he's fully healed and ready to go before he gets back on the court." Green was eager to start anew under head coach Maurice Cheeks after a frustrating season last year, in which he played in only 57 games and averaged 7.7 points. Now it looks as if King will go after another perimeter player to take his place. -- 123 --

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