CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers’ surprisingly strong start has hit a sudden snag.
Rookie forward Evan Mobley will miss multiple weeks with a sprained right elbow, an injury that threatens to stall Cleveland’s early season momentum and will test the young team’s depth up front.
The No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, Mobley got hurt in Monday night’s 98-92 loss to Boston. He was battling for position under the basket late in the third quarter when his arm got tied up with Celtics big man Enes Kanter.
The Cavs said an MRI taken Tuesday confirmed the original diagnosis of a sprain. Mobley will begin treatment and rehab, and the team estimates his return to the court in “approximately 2-4 weeks.”
“We play this game for a certain reason, for the love and compassion you have for it and it’s always frustrating and disappointing when it’s taken away from you when it’s an injury and it’s out of your control,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We want to make sure he’s OK and we want to make sure he’s in good spirits.”
Mobley’s loss is a major blow to the Cavs, who weren’t expected to do much, but are 9-6 after winning just 22 games last season. The 20-year-old from USC has been perhaps the biggest reason behind Cleveland’s quick turnaround.
