Pistons' Jon Leuer has knee surgery; timetable unclear for return

The bad news keeps coming for Pistons forward Jon Leuer.

After missing 74 games last season because of various foot injuries, Leuer was looking for a healthy summer to springboard into a bounce-back season.

So much for that.

The Pistons announced Thursday that Leuer suffered a knee injury during offseason workouts this week and had surgery Wednesday in New York to repair a right medial meniscus issue. A timetable for his return is uncertain. 

It’s a setback for Leuer, who was projected to see significant time as a backup power forward and center next season.

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Before the end of the season, Leuer indicated he was getting closer to 100 percent and had gotten past all the foot injuries. The knee injury likely opens more playing time for third-year big man Henry Ellenson, who played sparingly under Stan Van Gundy but looks to have a bigger role under new coach Dwane Casey.

The Pistons indicated in a news release that Leuer will begin rehabilitation immediately and his status will be updated ahead of the start of training camp in September.

Leuer, 29, was a part-time starter in 2016-17 after signing a four-year deal worth $41 million. He posted a career-best 10.2 points and added 5.4 rebounds that season, with 34 starts in 75 games. Last season, Leuer suffered a foot injury against the Lakers in the eighth game of the season and missed the rest of the season.

In seven seasons, Leuer, has career averages of 6.7 points and 4 rebounds, shooting 34 percent on 3-pointers.

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