Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie has torn ACL, will have surgery next week
Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets goes to the hoop for a basket during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Barclays Center on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 in New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Nets had a healthy roster for all of two games in the projected 72-game NBA regular season. But the right knee strain that knocked starting guard Spencer Dinwiddie out of a 106-104 loss Sunday night in Charlotte since has been diagnosed as a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the Nets confirmed in a statement Monday afternoon.
No timeline for recovery has been confirmed, but the statement said further updates will be provided after Dinwiddie undergoes surgery next week. Most likely, he has been lost for the season.
Nets owner Joe Tsai tweeted: "@SDinwiddie_25 we pray for a full recovery. You’ll come back better and stronger."
Prior to facing the Grizzlies Monday night at Barclays Center, Nets coach Steve Nash expressed his sympathy for Dinwiddie, saying, "Just deeply saddened for Spencer. It’s just a tough break for him and for us. Obviously, he’s a terrific player and is able to fill multiple roles for us . . . He’ll really be missed by us, but more importantly, we all feel for Spence and just look forward to getting him healthy and getting him back on the floor."
Dinwiddie suffered the injury in a non-contact situation early in the third quarter in Charlotte when he planted his right leg awkwardly and then fell to the floor clutching his right knee. Although Dinwiddie tore the ACL in his left knee during his junior year at Colorado, he has been extremely durable in his four previous Nets seasons.
Nash exchanged several text messages with Dinwiddie on Monday. "He is incredibly positive, and he’s already up for the challenge," Nash said. "That’s Spencer. He’s going to battle and do whatever he can, and I think he’ll be better than ever when he comes back.
"Filling his spot in the rotation -- it’s difficult because of his athleticism and versatility. But we have depth and we have guys we’re confident in to fill those minutes."
Greg Logan has worked for Newsday since 1982 covering a wide array of sports and events, currently including the Brooklyn Nets beat.
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