Spurs center out for season with torn ACL

Dec 13, 2018; San Antonio, TX, USA; A general view of the San Antonio Spurs logo on the court prior to a game between the Spurs and the LA Clippers at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

After losing 17 consecutive games, things are somehow getting even worse for the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs announced Tuesday that center Charles Bassey has torn the ACL in his left knee and will be out for the rest of the season. San Antonio adds that Bassey suffered the ACL tear on Sunday while playing in the G League. Bassey was on assignment with the Austin Spurs at the time of his injury.

The 23-year-old Bassey had been a standout in the G League over the last few years, earning All-G League Second Team honors as well as an All-G League Defensive Team nod in 2022. Bassey was also making the most of his time on the NBA roster of the Spurs, averaging 4.9 points and 5.0 rebounds in a mere 13.2 minutes per game over two seasons.

A powerful and energetic yet graceful player, Bassey was San Antonio’s best big behind Victor Wembanyama and Zach Collins and was the insurance policy in case either of those guys needed to miss time. Bassey’s season is now finished though, so the Spurs may have to sign or promote another center (or maybe convince this guy to come down from the front office).