Cavaliers swingman Dylan Windler will miss the remainder of the season due to ongoing symptoms related to his left lower leg stress reaction, according to a team press release.
After an extended period of rehabilitation and treatment over the last several months, Windler will now undergo surgery to fix the issue. The procedure is scheduled for January 21.
The 6’6″ Windler was sidelined early in training camp after being diagnosed with the injury, which originally had a 4-6 week timetable. After looking good in practices and scrimmages, he was expected to make his NBA debut last month.
Windler suffered a setback in mid-December and underwent additional treatment and rehabilitation but continued to experience discomfort. He sought a second opinion from Orthopedic Specialist Dr. David Porter of IU Health Methodist Hospital and Sports Medicine in Indianapolis. Ultimately, it was determined that surgery was necessary.
Windler is one of three first-rounders on the Cavs’ roster along with Darius Garland (No. 5) and Kevin Porter (No. 30).
Windler moved up the prospects list during his senior season at Belmont, in which he averaged 21.3 PPG and 10.8 RPG with a .540/.429/.847 shooting line in 33 games.
The Cavaliers could apply for a disabled player exception as a result of Windler’s injury, but it would be worth just $1.02MM if granted.
Dat sux bro