Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam is expected to need five months to recover from shoulder surgery.

Siakam underwent successful surgery last week to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, the team announced Friday.

TSN's Josh Lewenberg reports Siakam and the Raptors had hoped to avoid surgery and instead use rest and rehab to heal the injury, but the risk of re-injury was ultimately deemed too high.

The 27-year-old is expected to miss the start of next season, which will reportedly start in October. 

The Raptors said the injury occurred on May 8 against the Memphis Grizzlies. The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.

 

"Right Call" to Opt for Surgery

Lewenberg adds that Siakam is disappointed, but is holding up OK and understands that surgery was the right call, long-term.

The surgery is the same one Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George had in 2019. Lewenberg adds that George's injuries were more severe and had surgery on both shoulders which kept him out for six months. Siakam's recovery should be quicker and can start on-court rehab in July. 

Siakam appeared in 56 of 72 games last season, averaging 21.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He set a career high of 44 points, most recently vs. Washington, on May 6.