Chucky Atkins missing six weeks following knee surgery is no laughing matter. Chucky Atkins missing six weeks following knee surgery is no laughing matter. (Andy King/Associated Press)

Denver Nuggets point guard Chucky Atkins is sidelined for the next six weeks following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Atkins, 34, had the procedure performed Wednesday by the team's orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Traina, who repaired torn cartilage and removed loose bodies from the knee.

Atkins began experiencing discomfort two weeks ago when he was playing some pickup basketball.

He missed most of last season with a sports hernia that required surgery, averaging 4.7 points, 2.0 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 14.6 minutes a game in 24 appearances.

Atkins has averaged 10.6 points, 3.6 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 26.1 minutes in 623 games, including 314 starts, over nine NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies and Nuggets.

With files from the Associated Press