CLIPPERS : Smith Has Surgery, Is Out Four to Six Weeks

The Clippers’ worst fears were realized Saturday, when Charles Smith was found to have torn cartilage in his right knee and underwent arthroscopic surgery that is expected to keep him out four to six weeks.

Team physician Tony Daly, who performed the operation at Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital, said Smith had a “pretty good-sized tear” on the outside of the knee.

The origin of the injury is unknown, except that the starting power forward had some pain in the joint during the opening days of training camp. He dismissed that as being the result of the initial pounding from running, but the symptoms became more apparent during Wednesday’s exhibition at Atlanta.

“These are the kind you’re glad to find early,” Daly said, adding that the severity of the injury probably will keep Smith sidelined through November, the first month of the regular season. “When there’s a flap like this, the player can be running and have it catch in the knee, and that’s when the (anterior cruciate ligament) goes out. I’m glad we did it today.”

Smith led the Clippers in scoring and blocked shots last season and tied for the team high in games played. Danny Manning probably will move from small forward to take Smith’s spot and Ken Norman will be added to the starting lineup.

The Clippers also made their first cuts Saturday, releasing forward Jim Usevitch, center Greg Wiltjer and guard Darwin Cook. That puts the roster at 17, including holdout Doc Rivers.