The Cleveland Cavaliers will not be starting the 2019-20 regular season at full strength. On Thursday, it was reported that big man Ante Zizic is expected to miss the first month of the season with plantar fasciitis.
“Cleveland Cavaliers center Ante Zizic will be sidelined for approximately four (4) weeks after missing all four preseason games with discomfort and soreness in his left foot,” the team’s official site revealed. “Imaging at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health and evaluation by the Cavaliers medical staff revealed Zizic is experiencing plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Zizic will now undergo a period of treatment and rehabilitation and his return to play will be updated as appropriate.”
First signs of trouble arose during the Cavs’ practice on Thursday, when Zizic was seen walking on crutches.
#Cavs Ante Zizic is on crutches now pic.twitter.com/rfIYtMBhjL
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) October 17, 2019
While Zizic isn’t one of the Cavs’ primary rotational players, he certainly is a part of the team’s young nucleus. Last season, the 6-foot-11 pro averaged an encouraging 7.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game.
The Croatian center was brought to Cleveland as part of the blockbuster deal involving former Cavs star Kyrie Irving in 2017. Although Zizic wasn’t the main piece in the deal, the Cavs have held onto him and featured him alongside their young core.
The Cavaliers are set to begin their 2019-20 season next Wednesday in Orlando.
