Celtics' Faverani out 6-8 weeks after left knee surgery

The Boston Celtics will be without reserve center Vitor Faverani well into the NBA season.

The team announced Monday that Faverani, who had left the team's training camp to seek a second opinion on his troublesome left knee last week, underwent surgery in Spain. The procedure was supposed to clean up inflammation and help doctors get a better look at Faverani's left meniscus.

The Brazilian is expected to miss six-to-eight weeks.

When Faverani left for a second opinion, the team seemed somewhat unclear on why, citing the player's comfort level as a possible reason. Owed $2.1 million this season, it seems unlikely the Celtics will make Faverani their primary roster cut (they have 16 players in camp with a guaranteed deal). If the team feels comfortable they can stay under the luxury tax line, which they're painfully close to, it's possible they cut bait with their 2013 signing.

Faverani appeared in 37 games as a rookie last season, averaging 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting just 43.5 percent from the floor. Boston has Joel Anthony, Brandon Bass, Kelly Olynyk, Dwight Powell, Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller all vying for frontcourt minutes, with Jeff Green set to see time as a small-ball four. An injured Faverani may be deemed expendable, even on a guaranteed contract.