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SALT LAKE CITY — Rudy Gobert will be out indefinitely after suffering a Grade II MCL sprain in his left knee during Wednesday's practice, the Utah Jazz announced.
Gobert, the team's starting center, was examined by doctors at the University of Utah Health Care's Orthopaedic Center Wednesday afternoon. After an MRI, doctors discovered a Grade II MCL sprain, though, while not requiring surgery, will sideline Gobert indefinitely.
Other NBA players have suffered Grade II MCL sprains in recent years, including players of Gobert's size, and so we can get an idea of the length of time Gobert will be out of action.
- Memphis Grizzlies Center Marc Gasol had a Grade II MCL sprain in November 2013. He ended up missing 23 games for the Grizzlies.
- Greg Stiemsma of the New Orleans Pelicans also suffered a Grade II MCL sprain in November 2013, and he missed 20 games.
- Matthew Dellavedova had a Grade II MCL sprain last season, during the first month of the Cleveland Cavaliers' season. He missed 15 games.
- Carl Landry also had a Grade II MCL sprain and missed 23 games.
Just two days ago, the Jazz sent center Tibor Pleiss to the Idaho Stampede in order to get seasoning in the D-League. It would appear likely that Pleiss is called back up to the main team after playing just one game for Idaho.
Pleiss would likely see time behind Jeff Withey, along with rookie Trey Lyles. When Gobert missed two games earlier last month for the Jazz, coach Quin Snyder inserted Lyles in the starting lineup in Gobert's stead.
Gobert was averaging 9.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game for the Utah Jazz this season.
