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Spencer Dinwiddie underwent successful surgery Monday to repair the partially torn ACL in his right knee and will begin rehabilitation next week, the Nets reported in a medical update.
The update did not provide any timetable for his return other than to say he’s expected to make a full recovery. Here’s the statement.
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In the past, the Nets have said if an injury is season-ending as they did, for example, with Jeremy Lin after the devastating injury to his patella tendon on Opening Night in 2017.
However, Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Nets will seek a disabled player exception for the 27-year-old indicating his season is over. In a later story on ESPN, Woj described Dinwiddie’s injury as “season-ending.”
The Brooklyn Nets are expected to apply for a $5.7M Disabled Player Exception with the season-ending injury to Spencer Dinwiddie, sources tell ESPN. Once granted, Nets can use slot to acquire a player in final year of a deal. First, Nets would need to clear a roster spot.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 4, 2021
Moreover, Brian Lewis noted that the Nets announced Dindwiddie had “reconstructive” ACL surgery, which experts say likely means a lost season...
Spencer Dinwiddie had an ACL reconstruction, not a repair. Manhattan Orthopedic Care founder Dr. Armin Tehrany told me a reconstruction would essentially eliminate any chance of him returning this season. “Not if an ACL reconstruction is being done." #Nets
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) January 4, 2021
Dinwiddie himself noted the difference between a 2014 ACL he suffered and his current injury in an Instagram post shortly after he was injured.
And two days ago, Dinwiddie posted a still of him working out.
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But now, it appears that he’s done for 2020-21.
The Nets would have to apply for the DPE, but it is not guaranteed. The NBA medical office would have to certify the injury is likely season-ending.
A DPE would permit the Nets to sign a player to a one-year salary of up to half Dinwiddie’s salary, which would be $5.7 million (but would require the Nets to open up a roster spot.) The Nets could also trade for a player on an expiring contract worth that much or claim a player off waivers. Here’s a further explanation.
Should Dinwiddie return to action during the season, the award of a DPE would not be effected.
- Sources: Brooklyn Nets to apply for $5.7M disabled player exception for injured Spencer Dinwiddie - Adrian Wojnarowski - ESPN
- Nets’ Spencer Dinwiddie undergoes ACL reconstruction surgery - Brian Lewis - New York Post