The Nets' bench and defense took a major hit Thursday night when David Nwaba went down with a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon.
Nwaba left Thursday's road game at San Antonio a minute into the fourth quarter after falling to the floor following a scramble for the ball near the top of the key. The Nets lost the game 118-105.
"It's tough to focus on the game right now," Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. "He was playing as well as anybody on our team. Tough blow. That's where our hearts and minds are right now."
Nwaba will undergo surgery Friday, YES Network reported.
The 26-year-old wing was averaging 5.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game this season.
Playing for his fourth team in four seasons, Nwaba was making such a big impact on the Nets that the team made the tough decision to release Iman Shumpert last week.
"We talk about our defensive activity, and he's a big part of it," Atkinson said. "There's no guy on the team who does things more perfectly than him in terms of preparing for a game, preparing for a season. It makes you feel ill when you think about it."
The Nets, who are also dealing with injuries to Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert, can apply for a hardship exception allowing for a 16th roster spot, potentially opening the door for Shumpert's return. However, once Irving or LeVert returns, the roster must be cut again to 15.
