Gone in 60 seconds? Bogut faces season KO after leg break

LOS ANGELES, USA – Andrew Bogut’s season with the Cleveland Cavaliers may have lasted less than a minute after the Australian suffered a broken leg on his debut for NBA champions on Monday, March 6 (Tuesday in Manila).

Bogut limped out of the Cavs’ clash with the Miami Heat after just 58 seconds after colliding forward Okaro White.

Bogut was helped to the locker room by his teammates, clearly attempting to avoid putting weight on his left leg.

The Cavaliers immediately said Bogut would play no further part in the game, eventually won by Miami 106-98. Test results later revealed a fractured tibia.

Bogut only joined the Cavaliers last week after being freed from his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers after a trade with the Dallas Mavericks.

The 32-year-old 7-footer (2.13m) is in his 12th NBA campaign after being the top overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.

His arrival had been seen as giving the Cavaliers’ roster a key inside player with championship experience.

Bogut, a 3-time Olympian with Australia, had helped the Golden State Warriors beat the Cavaliers in the 2015 NBA Finals.

He was released from the Warriors last year after Golden State reshuffled to accommodate Kevin Durant.

Bogut earlier Monday denied his decision to join Cleveland was a way of getting back at the Warriors. 

“Everyone’s going to try to ramp up that story – nice try – it’s one of those things,” he said.

“I don’t hold any grudges and moved on and I’m in a good place, and we’ll see how it goes.” – Rappler.com