PHOENIX -- Grant Hill has undergone a procedure to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The Phoenix Suns said in a news release announcing Friday's 30-minute procedure that, if Hill's rehabilitation goes well, he should return before the end of the regular season.

The medial meniscus tear was discovered when the 39-year-old forward underwent an MRI on Thursday. He had been sidelined for two games because of inflammation in the knee.

Hill is the NBA's second-oldest player, one day younger than Kurt Thomas. He is averaging 10.7 points per game and is considered the Suns' best defensive player.

"He's our glue guy," Suns guard Jared Dudley told the Arizona Republic on Wednesday night. "He calms us defensively. He's the best defensive player. He's the one who guarded Chris Paul at home and slowed him down. Offensively, he is efficient and gets out on the break and that makes other people guard him and open up 3-pointers. He posts up and makes the extra pass."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.