The Cleveland Cavaliers are acquiring veteran guard Rajon Rondo from the Los Angeles Lakers after losing Ricky Rubio for the season with a torn ACL. The Lakers receive Denzel Valentine in the deal, but will likely waive him and open a roster spot.
The Cavs are 20-14 and sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. The Rubio injury is a hit for a team that is already missing Collin Sexton, who is out for the season with a meniscus tear in his right knee. The team also just plays much better when Rubio’s on the court. He played in every game this season and averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. The Cavs will miss his leadership, too.
“I think this team is so close, so it’s like an extended family member goes down and it just pains you,” Cavaliers’ forward Kevin Love said of Rubio’s injury. “It just hurts to see anyone go down, but especially a guy like Ricky, who has been so consistent for us and brings so much to this team for so many different reasons.”
By the numbers, the improved Cavs team can be good without Rubio. Without him on the floor, they’re still the fourth-ranked defense, and their offense still has the potential to be in the top 10. According to Tankathon, the Cavs also have the easiest remaining schedule.
Rondo is 35 and in his 16th season. He likely won’t be able to match Rubio’s production, as he averaged just 3.1 points and 3.7 assists in 16 minutes per game with the Lakers, but his experience and leadership should benefit a young Cavs team whose best players are early on in their career. He is a two-time NBA Champion and four-time NBA All-Star.
Rondo entered COVID protocol on Sunday and will have to be cleared before joining the Cavaliers.
