Another big man out — Lyles has appendicitis.
The Spurs’ frontcourt rotation continues to take a beating, even before the first game of the rebooted NBA season in Orlando.
Trey Lyles, slated to be the team’s starting forward once play resumes, has been declared out for the restarted season after suffering a bout of appendicitis.
Coach Gregg Popovich announced Lyles’ status in a video conference call with reporters before Wednesday’s practice at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.
“He’s done,” Popovich said. “He’s out.”
Lyles, 24, will join Lamarcus Aldridge on the injured list.
Aldridge did not make the trip to Orlando, having been ruled out after undergoing shoulder surgery in April.
Lyles had been something of a pleasant surprise in his first season with the Spurs, averaging 6.4 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 38.7 percent from 3-point range. He started 53 of 63 games.
Still, Lyles’ future with the team remains in question.
Lyles signed with the Spurs in July after their agreed-upon deal with free agent Marcus Morris fell through. He is under contract for $5.5 million next season, but that figure is not guaranteed until the offseason.
Earlier this month, Lyles said he hoped he had shown enough to remain in San Antonio beyond this season.
“Growing up and watching it, always hearing about Spurs fans and the Spurs organization, it’s everything I thought it would be,” Lyles said. “I enjoyed being here, so I hope to make a foundation here and stay here for a long time.”