Toronto Raptors forward Otto Porter Jr. has undergone season-ending surgery on his left foot, the NBA team announced Tuesday.
The Raptors signed the former Golden State Warrior this off-season and he was expected to be a rotation piece, but injuries derailed his campaign.
To start the season, he was sidelined due to hamstring issues and personal reasons. He didn't make his debut for the side until Nov. 2 against the San Antonio Spurs. He then dislocated his toe against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 16 and hasn't appeared in a game since.
"He had hoped to avoid surgery but ultimately a decision had to be made to ensure his long-term health," said Raptors general manager Bobby Webster in a press release on Tuesday. "We look forward to his healthy recovery."
The Raptors inked the forward to a two-year, $12.3 million contract with a player option in the second year. So far this season he has played in only eight games, averaging 5.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
The 10-year NBA veteran is known for his outside shooting and solid perimeter defence, two areas of need for the Raptors. He is a career 39.7 percent 3-point shooter.
Toronto is in the midst of a rather disappointing season and has struggled with depth all year long. Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby and Fred VanVleet are first, second, and third in the league, respectively, in minutes per game.
The Raptors had similar issues last season, with Siakam and VanVleet leading the league in that stat. The acquisition of Porter Jr. was meant to curb that problem while adding solid championship pedigree and shooting from the wing.
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