Hoops Habit
Fansided

3 keys for the Cleveland Cavaliers after losing Rubio and Sexton

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 10: Darius Garland #10 celebrates with Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after Garland scored during the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 10, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 97-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 10: Darius Garland #10 celebrates with Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after Garland scored during the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 10, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers 97-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Cleveland Cavaliers
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 28: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the fourth quarter of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on December 28, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans Pelicans won the game 108 – 104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Cavaliers had hoped the hardest part of the season was behind them when they faced the toughest schedule in the NBA through October and November. Now, with Ricky Rubio joining Collin Sexton on the season-ending injury list, things are going to get tricky.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will need timely performances from numerous players in order to overcome the challenges in front of them.

Rubio suffered a torn ACL in the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s game against New Orleans while Sexton underwent surgery to repair his MCL in late November. Both guards are expected to miss the remainder of the 2021-22 NBA season.

However, the general timetable for an MCL recovery varies, leaving some hope among fans that Sexton can return earlier than expected. This would be even more likely if the Cavaliers punch their ticket to the playoffs.

As for Rubio, there will be no last-second heroics before the postseason. A torn ACL can take up to 12 months to heal, meaning Rubio will likely miss a chunk of next season as well.

With Darius Garland already in health and safety protocols, Cleveland faces the reality of having very little talent available in the backcourt. Kevin Pangos and RJ Nembhard are not going to cut it for a team with playoff aspirations.

It would take a miracle for Cleveland to replace the likes of Sexton and Rubio on such short notice and under circumstances where the rest of the NBA is just as desperate for additional help. But that doesn’t mean the Cavaliers won’t try.

Here are three realistic ways they can survive the rest of the season without two of their best guards.

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers