Detroit Pistons big man Jon Leuer will reportedly have season-ending ankle surgery on Friday, according to Rod Beard of the Detroit News.
#Pistons Jon Leuer tells The Detroit News that he will have season-ending ankle surgery on Friday. Story coming.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) January 19, 2018
This surgery will end his season after only eight games. Leuer had been trying various forms of treatment to avoid needing surgery and ending his season, but he ultimately decided that this was the best decision for his long-term future.
Leuer was a key bench piece last season after signing a four-year, $42 million contract. He started 34 games and averaged a career-high 10.2 points. Although he was signed as a stretch-four, he only shot a disappointing 29 percent from beyond the arc. His play also fell off a cliff after the All Star Break, likely due to playing a career-high 25.9 minutes.
Despite all of that, Leuer was a solid player and could have helped the Pistons this season with his size and decent defense. Leuer could have also been potentially dangled in a trade, but I doubt he has much value around the league with his contract even when healthy.
There is no timetable for Jon Leuer’s recovery, but I would suspect he will be ready to play next season.