Denver, CO -- (Sports Network) - Denver Nuggets guard Chucky Atkins will be out the next six weeks after he had surgery Wednesday on his right knee.

The arthroscopic procedure to repair cartilage and clean out loose bodies was performed by Nuggets orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steve Traina.

Atkins started having pain in the knee about two weeks ago while playing pick- up games in preparation for the season. An MRI taken Monday revealed the problem and surgery was deemed necessary.

The 34-year-old Atkins averaged 4.7 points in 24 games for the Nuggets last season.