Update 2:
The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that Smith will miss 12-14 weeks to recover from thumb surgery.
Update:
J.R. Smith is scheduled for surgery on Friday according to ESPN’s Chris Haynes. He will likely miss 4-6 weeks.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith scheduled to have surgery on thumb Friday, league sources tell ESPN. Typically recovery of 4-6 weeks.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 23, 2016
Original Story Follows:
Further tests on Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith revealed that his thumb injury will require surgery, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported:
Cavs fears realized today with JR Smith. He will need surgery on his thumb and will be out an extended period, sources said
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) December 21, 2016
Smith suffered the thumb injury during the first half of last night’s contest against Milwaukee, when he attempted to swipe at the ball while guarding Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In noticeable pain, Smith was forced to leave the game early and head to the locker room. Initial tests on his thumb came back ‘inconclusive’, the Cavs announced later in the night. He underwent additional testing today in Cleveland, revealing the damage of the unfortunate injury.
Smith, who played an integral role with Cleveland during their championship run last season, will be sidelined for an extended period of time.
In 21 games with the Cavs this season, Smith has struggled to find his rhythm, shooting an abysmal 34% from the field and underwhelming 36% from behind-the-arc.
The Cavaliers, who already lack depth at the point guard and center positions, will likely be without their starting shooting guard entering Sunday’s marquee battle against the Golden State Warriors.
The Cavs could look to Iman Shumpert or DeAndre Liggins to start at shooting guard until Smith returns, which likely won’t be until late-January.
