Nov 09, 2008 7:56 AM EST

Nuggets' center Steven Hunter, who is to have surgery this week, has admitted that he has thought about knee problems ending his career.

"Definitely, that thought is in the back of my mind," Hunter said Sunday. "But I’m going to try to stay optimistic. I’m going to try to stay positive."

Hunter has been out for the last month due to continued right knee inflammation.

Via Rocky Mountain News