Josh McRoberts has torn meniscus, could be out for season

Josh McRoberts' first season with the Miami Heat may be over before he could ever find his comfort zone.

In and out of the lineup for most of the season so far, McRoberts has missed the past three games with what was thought to be a bruised right knee. An MRI has now revealed that McRoberts tore his right lateral mensicus, and surgery will be required.

The Heat haven't given a firm timeline but admitted this could be the end of McRoberts' season.

Signed to a four-year, $23-million contract this offseason to improve the core around LeBron James (oops), McRoberts missed the early part of the season and a few games later on with a toe injury, never really finding his footing in his new surroundings. In 17 games, he's averaged just 4.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 17.4 minutes, well below his recently established level of production.

Shawne Williams has become a small-ball four with McRoberts out, starting 17 games on the season and averaging eight points and 3.9 rebounds. He stands to benefit most in terms of playing time with McRoberts shelved.

This is yet another hit to the hard-luck Heat, who have managed an 11-13 record despite injuries to key players up and down the roster. Should the Heat officially rule McRoberts out for the season, they could apply for a disabled-player exception in the amount of $2.65 million, one they could use to add a player by signing or by trade once they've opened a roster spot.