Posted March 09, 2017 11:14:48

Photo: Andrew Bogut is helped off the court after breaking his leg during his Cleveland Cavaliers debut. (AP: Tony Dejak)

Andrew Bogut's NBA playing future is unknown with his Cleveland Cavaliers contract ending at the end of this season.

The Cavaliers have announced the Australian centre's broken left leg has been set and he has begun a rehabilitation program that rules him out for the season but is expected to have him back on the court for next season's training camp.

It is a savage blow to Bogut, who knocked back a $4 million offer from the Houston Rockets last month to take $507,000 to seek an NBA title ring with the defending champion and Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers.

It ended horrifically on Tuesday (AEDT) after just 58 seconds in his first game for the Cavaliers when Heat forward Okaro White's knee struck Bogut's shin.

Cavaliers hero LeBron James said he heard Bogut's tibia crack.

"Andrew Bogut underwent additional imaging and evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic yesterday related to his fractured left tibia," the Cavaliers said in a statement.

"His tibia has been set and he is undergoing a non-surgical treatment and recovery plan commencing immediately with an extended period of immobilisation and healing stimulation.

"He will not be available to play the remainder of the regular season and play-offs, but is expected to successfully complete his recovery process in advance of training camp for the 2017/18 NBA season."

The broken leg is the latest serious injury to dog Bogut's 12-year NBA career and may deter teams from offering him a big money, multi-year contract.

Bogut, who won an NBA championship with Golden State Warriors in 2014/2015, also made it clear with his decision to join the Cavaliers that he wants to play with top title contenders rather than second-tier franchises like the Rockets or Boston Celtics.

AAP

Topics: basketball, sport, united-states