The Cleveland Cavaliers have put together a strong start to the 2021-22 NBA season—exceeding the expectations many had for them. Many were questioning the moves of paying Jarrett Allen after drafting Jarrett Allen. Most were left scratching their heads after the Lauri Markkanen sign-and-trade.
One of the underrated moves the Cavaliers made in the offseason was the trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire Ricky Rubio. He’s played a pivotal role averaging 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists as a starter as Collin Sexton recovers from a torn meniscus.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Rubio has suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee. It’s the same knee he suffered a previous torn ACL back in 2012.
Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio has suffered a season-ending ACL tear to his left knee, sources tell ESPN.
Rubio is currently playing on the final season of his contract and will enter unrestricted free agency in the offseason. The Cavaliers will need to determine the long-term future of both Rubio and Sexton.
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While Rubio remains sidelined, the Cavaliers will surely rely on Darius Garland even more to initiate the half-court offense throughout the remainder of the season. He is averaging 19.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in 2021-22 as it is.
Adding further complication for the Cavaliers, the team is without Garland currently as he is one of the many players in the NBA’s health and safety protocol. He entered the protocol on Dec. 28 and the league has recently shortened the window to return from 10 days to 6 days depending on negative testing results.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have Kevin Pangos, RJ Nembhard Jr., and Malik Newman as point guard options in the short-term while Darius Garland is in the protocol. The Cavs will attempt to hold onto the 20-14 record they have established as well as possible while being short-handed.
