Cavs: Ricky Rubio will be all the more crucial with Collin Sexton out

The Cleveland Cavaliers got some unfortunate news on Monday afternoon when it was known that guard Collin Sexton has a torn meniscus after suffering that left knee injury against the New York Knicks on Sunday.

The Cavs remain interested in a long-term deal with Collin Sexton next summer. Sexton sought a four-year deal in the $100 million range, but Cleveland wanted a fifth year on any agreement, per a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium (subscription required). For now, Sexton is set to be a restricted free agent next offseason, so we’ll have to see what plays out down the road.

In the very same game Sexton suffered the injury, backup point guard Ricky Rubio checked in and absolutely dominated, fortunately for Cleveland. Rubio dropped a career-high 37 points, including him going 8-of-9 from three-point-land. This included 10 assists as well. The Cavs won by a score of 126-109 in a truly thrilling domination.

Certainly, the loss of Sexton hurts the team for the long-term. After all, the guard could be out for a few months to the entire season depending on if he needs surgery. On the year thus far, Sexton averaged 16 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Cavs.

Rubio looks to be all the more crucial for the Cavs with Sexton out.

Now that Sexton is out, Rubio will have the chance to go from more of a supersub player to now being more of a primary catalyst and potentially key option for the offense. The point guard this season has averaged 13.7 points and 6.8 assists a night. Look for those numbers to dramatically increase as the year progresses forward.

Rubio is in Year 11 that includes seven with the Minnesota Timberwolves, two with the Utah Jazz, a year with the Phoenix Suns and now here in Cleveland. The guard has a fair share of experience, which is good for the circumstances now presented.

Currently, the Cavs have a 7-4 record and are surprising everyone with fantastic play to start the season. This loss of Sexton certainly hurts, but Rubio will fill that spot to the fullest, if he were to see more minutes. Other key players to look for an increased role are Darius Garland, from a scoring standpoint potentially, and perhaps Isaac Okoro or Dylan Windler could seemingly factor into more.

Now, the entire team will have to step up with this unfortunate injury, though. That’s the bottom line moving throughout the season filled with success so far.

In regards to the Sexton injury itself, the biggest key will be if the guard needs to have surgery or simply recover from it by himself. If it does include surgery, the season is done. If not, Sexton could be back on the floor in two months, at best-case scenario, realistically.

What must be understood is that rushing a return is not good in the longterm for the guard. That could lead to another injury and even worse problems in the future. One that is so bright. Sexton must be sure that it is time to start playing again before actually returning.

Yes, it is a waiting game. It begins here in early November.