Before a player returns to the court following surgery, he has to check a number of things off a list.
First, the player is cleared for light activity. In most cases, that typically involves cardio work outs on treadmills or in the pool. After that, the athlete is given the go-ahead to start doing some sport-related activity. For basketball, players are allowed to do restricted dribbling and shooting drills.
Once that’s completed and the player is reevaluated, the activities begin to ramp up. That usually involves one-on-one activity and restricted team-drills.
If the player responds well and there are no setbacks, then a doctor clears the athlete to practice fully.