Dexter Pittman undergoes successful surgery, out 5 to 6 weeks

MIAMI, FL – The Miami HEAT announced today that center Dexter Pittman underwent successful right knee debridement surgery. The surgery was performed by HEAT team physician Dr. Harlan Selesnick at Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables. He will begin rehabilitation immediately and is expected to miss five-to-six weeks of action. Pittman, in his second stint with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA Development League, was medically recalled after injuring his right knee in Saturday night’s contest against the Idaho Stampede on February 12. He was assigned to the HEAT’s D-League affiliate on January 6 and appeared in 14 games (all starts) and averaged 13.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.78 blocks and 1.2 assists while shooting 49.7 percent from the field. He recorded two 20-point games and posted five double-doubles, including a team-high 20 points and a team-high 12 rebounds vs. New Mexico on January 21. He led the team in blocks seven times, rebounds five times and points on four occasions. Pittman, named to the 2011 NBA Development League All-Star Team, has now appeared in 22 NBA D-League games (all starts) with the Skyforce averaging 14.5 points 8.2 rebounds, 1.73 blocks and 1.2 assists while shooting 53.6 percent from the field.