clarinews@clarinet.com (01/12/90)
ORLANDO, Fla. (UPI) -- Orlando center Dave Corzine, one of the NBA's most durable players during an 11-year pro career, said Thursday he will undergo reconstructive knee surgery and miss the rest of the season. Corzine, 33, played only three games with the Magic before suffering an injury to his left knee Nov. 8 at Cleveland. He was taken off the injured list six weeks later and saw limited action in three games before suffering cartilage damage to the same knee in a practice session Jan. 4. Surgery to repair Corzine's torn anterior cruciate ligament is scheduled for Friday morning and will be performed by team physician Dr. James Barnett. ``We wish Dave a quick recovery from his surgery,'' said Magic President and General Manager Pat Williams, who obtained the 6-foot-11 center in a 1989 draft day trade with Chicago. ``The loss of Dave leaves a tremendous hole that our other players will need to fill throughout the remainder of the season in order for us to remain competitive.'' In Corzine's absence, journeyman Mark Acres has started at center, backed by Jeff Turner and Sidney Green, a pair of 6-9 forwards. At one point, Corzine held the league record for most consecutive games played with 480.