Adarq.org

lots of people squat with high intensity twice a week without developing injuries, so it's probably not that by itself.

otherwise, i know fuckall about this so i'm not going to recommend anything.

I really question the advice/diagnosis that you were given.  I'm not one of those people who thinks squatting is the cure-all for everything; realistically some injuries will require cessation of squatting.   What I don't understand is why you were told that you can play basketball/jump as long as you warm up before.   Unlike squatting you really can't modulate the intensity of basketball (ie. you might need to jump 35 inches in the air to grab a rebound and probably won't be able to hold back and only jump 20 inches) and the shock and damage you can put on your knees on the hardwood is really unadvised for someone with a cartilage injury.   

Perhaps you saw an internist or someone who isn't very experienced with athletes who gave the general advice that weightlifting is dangerous but sports are healthy.   In any event I'd shelf playing any kind of basketball beyond free-throw shooting for the time being.  You could get in the pool to maintain fitness and then slowly ease back into squatting very light to keep your movement patterns up while you recover.   I wouldn't get on the court for any intense basketball until you are pain free before the warmup.

I see your point there guys.
The reason I was told it was okay for me to play is because I told the doctor when I warm up properly it doesn't hurt when I play basketball. that being said i suppose despite the fact it doesn't hurt it still may be hindering recovery..

I'm going to be referred to a physio therapist soon, I'll have to wait and see what they say.

I also think squats are awesome and they should  make knees stronger but perhaps I've been slacking on form here and there. just seems a little suspicious that the pain only started coming along when I started squatting twice a week with max effort.