The Cleveland Cavaliers’ depth took a big hit on Friday afternoon as center Chris Andersen suffered a non-contact right knee injury during practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts.
After undergoing an evaluation at the facility, team physician Dr. Richard Parker confirmed that Andersen suffered an ACL tear that will require season-ending surgery.
The Cavs are now down to just three big men and also have two players on their roster that are unable to play this season.
Cavs lose Chris Andersen for season with torn ACL. They now have just 3 true big men and two players on roster unable to play (Mo Williams)
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) December 17, 2016
It is also significant to note that there is no roster relief for Cleveland based on the injury, meaning the Cavs would have to waive a player in order to open up a spot on their roster.
Cavs general manager David Griffin and the rest of Cleveland’s front office will certainly have a lot to think about over the next few weeks with glaring deficiencies both at the backup point guard and backup center position.