The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)

Cavs’ Bogut done for season with broken leg

- By TomWithers

Center Andrew Bogut lasted just 58seconds into his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers before breaking his leg, an injury that won’t require surgery but will keep him out for the remainder of the season.

INDEPENDEN­CE, OHIO>> Andrew Bogut’s season is over. J.R. Smith’s has resumed.

And so it goes for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who because of several major injuries have yet to play at full strength this season while defending their NBA title.

Bogut has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season — and the playoffs — after breaking his left leg on Monday night just 58 seconds into his Cleveland debut. It’s a cruel end- ing for the 7-foot Australian, who just signed with the Cavaliers last week for a chance to return to the Finals.

The team said Wednesday that Bogut won’t need surgery, but he won’t be back in time to help this year. He’s expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of next season.

Bogut was signed to give Cleveland some needed frontcourt depth and a big body to combat some potential mismatches in the postseason. General manager David Griffin, who has overhauled Cleveland’s roster with the additions of Kyle Korver, Derrick Williams and Deron Williams, will likely add another big man.

That’s unlikely to happen during the Cavaliers’ upcoming road trip, which begins Thursday in Detroit.

While Bogut is lost, Smith practiced Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery in late December on a broken right thumb. Smith is listed as questionab­le for Thursday’s game.

Meanwhile, Korver is out witha sore left foot. Hewill accompany the team on its trip and continue to receive treatment.

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