Jeremy Lin’s six-week timetable could be expedited to a month depending on the level of arthritis surgeons discover in the meniscus cartilage during the arthroscopic procedure on his left knee, according to a top orthopedic surgeon.
The Knicks’ official six-week time frame means Lin will return this season only if they make the second round of the playoffs. Without Lin and Amar’e Stoudemire (bulging disk), the Knicks are no lock to even make the postseason as they lead the Bucks by
2 1/2 games with 13 remaining. The regular season ends April 26. Lin is expected to have his surgery today or tomorrow.
Dr. Wellington Hsu, an orthopedic surgeon/assistant professor at Northwestern, said professional athletes could return from torn meniscus surgery in two-to-four weeks.
However, because Lin’s is a “chronic’’ tear, by definition some arthritis exists in Lin’s knee, according to Dr. Hsu, who has not treated the Knicks point guard.
“If they don’t see anything else wrong in surgery, just see the tear, typically you can get back in the NFL in two to four weeks and I’ve seen NBA players get back within that period,’’ Hsu told The Post. “That’s assuming there are no surprises.’’
Hsu said doctors likely will put “a grade on the level of arthritis in the cartilage’’ removed.
“That’s a good indicator for a prognosis,’’ Hsu said. “The more arthritis, the harder a time he’ll have getting back as quick as possible.’’
Lin said at Saturday night’s press conference he has never had surgery, but said he has been a “fast healer’’ with prior injuries and hopes to beat the six-week timetable. Knicks spokesman Jonathan Supranowitz used the phrase “approximately’’ six weeks.
Knicks interim coach Mike Woodson seemed hopeful of Lin getting back quicker.
“I think it all depends on rehab and how quickly he responds to the surgery,” Woodson said. “That’s something down the road that we just have to wait and see. Once they go in there and get it done, he could respond very quickly, at least I’m hoping, anyway.”
If Lin is finished for the season, he’ll enter free agency on July 1 with lots of uncertainty. Because of his marketability as a merchandising cash cow, the Knicks may have to gamble their entire $5 million mid-level exception to re-sign him and forfeit a bid at Steve Nash.
The Knicks can match any offer for Lin. Teams can’t offer more than league’s average salary (roughly $5M).
Lin wants to re-sign.
“Oh yeah, New York, the way the city, fans, writers, media, everybody — it’s been an unbelievable journey,’’ Lin said. “I would love to keep this team together as long as we can. Everybody from top to bottom. We’re growing as a team finding an identity, We have so much potential and so much talent. It’s a process of reaching our potential.’’
Hsu said factors against Lin beating six weeks is he was “very symptomatic’’ entering surgery. Lin said when he tested the knee Saturday morning he couldn’t “really cut or jump.’’
“If he had a high level of function before surgery, it would take less amount of time, but since he was really hurting and can’t cut at all, maybe it takes him a little longer,’’ Hsu said.
A chronic tear — opposed to an acute tear — means Lin had the problem for at least six months. Hsu said the massive minutes he played during a lockout-condensed schedule likely exacerbated symptoms.
“Absolutely, not only was he being played 38-to-40 minutes a night after being fourth-stringer, there was no time between games because of the lockout,’’ Hsu said.
That Lin already has an arthritic condition and needed surgery at 23 isn’t a great sign for Lin’s future. Lin said he’s unworried, calling it “the most simple surgery you can have.’’
Hsu disagreed.
“It’s of some concern because of the nature of his game — a slasher, needing to stop on a dime,’’ Hsu said. “He can’t go 80 percent and be effective, but it’s not a severe concern. It depends on the condition of his cartilage, how frayed it is.’’
marc.berman@nypost.com