Orlando Magic head coach Steve Clifford on Wednesday said that rookie Cole Anthony is not yet close to returning to play after suffering a rib injury on Feb. 9 versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
Anthony was initially ruled to have suffered a strained right shoulder during that contest, but further evaluation, including a CT scan, showed the 15th overall pick suffered a non-displaced fracture of the right first rib. He remained in quite a bit of pain following that injury.
On Feb. 16, the Magic announced that Anthony would not play through the All-Star break due to the injury and, based on the latest update given by Clifford, will likely not return onto the court in the near future.
“He is still a ways away (from returning),” Clifford said. “He is not able to do anything on the floor yet. It’s a type of injury where they have to be careful so he goes next Tuesday to get another MRI so we’ll know more after that.”
The injury to Anthony, who slid into the starting lineup to replace Markelle Fultz, proved to be a big hit to the depth of the Magic. Without Anthony, the Magic first turned to Frank Mason III and then moved on to Chasson Randle after Mason suffered a significant groin injury.
Anthony, through 25 games played, is averaging 11 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists this season.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=27200,25300,26654]
[listicle id=29219]