SEATTLE (AP) - Starting point guard Earl Watson fractured his right thumb will have surgery Thursday in Los Angeles, the SuperSonics said Tuesday.
The Sonics said the injury has a typical recovery period of 3-4 months.Last season, the 29-year-old Watson averaged career highs in points (10.7), assists (6.8), rebounds (2.9) and minutes (29.1). During his seven-year NBA career, Watson has averaged 7.4 points and 4.5 assists in 529 games.
Sonics general manager Sam Presti said he is confident Watson will make a "timely recovery."
The Sonics drafted 19-year-old UCLA sophomore guard Russell Westbrook, the Pac-10 defensive player of the year, last week to be their starting point guard of the future. Watson also played at UCLA. The Sonics also have point guard Luke Ridnour on their roster.
Seattle finished a franchise-worst 20-62 record last season.
