Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki's rehab from arthroscopic knee surgery is not progressing as quickly as anticipated.

Nowitzki underwent surgery on his right knee Oct. 19, an operation that typically has a recovery timetable of three to six weeks. The Mavs were optimistic that the All-Star would be closer to the short end of that timetable.

When it originally hurt, three to six weeks, in my mind, I'm thinking in two weeks, I'm back," said Nowitzki, who has returned quickly from several ankle sprains during his 14-year career. "But unfortunately, this is not how it happens. It's my first knee surgery of my career and unfortunately this stuff takes a little longer than we expected.

"So I've just got to be patient and do the smart thing and keep working."

Nowitzki has already missed nine games in the season because of this injury, and has been limited to activities such as running in the pool and working out on an exercise bike. He's acknowledged his frustration that he's not further along in his process.

"Gotta admit, I'm really already getting tired of rehab these three weeks," Nowitzki said. "It's been three weeks. Obviously, that's a long time for me watching. So I'm really getting tired and bored of it. But at this point, gotta stay patient and do what the doctors and trainers tell me, just keep rehabbing and see how much longer it is."

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