Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio will miss the remainder of the campaign after tearing the ACL in his left knee, the team announced Wednesday.
It's the same ligament he tore during his rookie season in 2012.
Rubio sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's 108-104 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran fell awkwardly as he dribbled into the paint and immediately clutched his left knee. He was helped off the court by teammates and didn't return.
Cleveland is already without starting guard Collin Sexton for the campaign. Journeyman floor general Kevin Pangos will likely take over Rubio's backup point guard duties.
The Cavaliers have until Jan. 15 to apply for an $8.9-million disabled player exception, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Cleveland acquired Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves this past offseason. The 31-year-old has been a huge part of the Cavaliers' early success, averaging 13.1 points, 6.6 assists, 4.1 boards, and 1.4 steals over 38 appearances.
Rubio is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
