Monday, November 26, 2001 - LOS ANGELES - Denver Nuggets swingman Tariq Abdul-Wahad could be out as much as a month after knee surgery, but coach Dan Issel is optimistic he will come back stronger.

Abdul-Wahad had arthroscopic surgery Saturday on his left knee. The 6-foot-6, 223-pounder has been bothered by chondromalacia (roughening of the articular cartilage), which was expected to require postseason surgery. But Abdul-Wahad left Wednesday