The season has yet to start, and the Los Angeles Clippers have already suffered a big blow with an injury to Max Strus.

Strus suffered the injury just five minutes into their first preseason game against the Golden State Warriors in Hawaii. It was later revealed that Strus would be reevaluated in four weeks after suffering a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot.

Four weeks would cost him the first two weeks of the season, and being reevaluated in four weeks is not a guarantee that he will return in four weeks.

With Strus out, the Clippers will need two players in particular to step up.

Strus was likely going to start at the shooting guard position given his previous chemistry with Darius Garland, wanting to ease Wagler in, and his overall versatility on both ends of the floor.

With Strus out, the fifth overall pick will likely get the starting guard spot next to Garland.

The Clippers drafted Wagler with the idea that he could play next to Garland, though they were hoping to ease him into things by bringing him off the bench. Now, Wagler will be a starter, and he has the talent to replace what Strus brought on the offensive end.

While he’s not going to fit the offense exactly like Strus, who is very comfortable playing off the ball, Wagler will need the ball in his hands more, but can create his own shot and attack at a higher level than Strus.

There are going to be growing pains for the Garland and Wagler duo, especially on the defensive end, but they could be a strong backcourt with a great future outlook by the end of the season.

Hachimura was already facing pressure with Brandon Ingram sidelined to start the season, but Strus’ injury will only add to that pressure.

Hachimura is one of their better offensive players, with the ability to score at all three levels and attack off the dribble. He’s an efficient shooter, and now his volume might be increased, whether he’s spotting up or asked to create for himself.

He’s not great at creating for others, but he can put the ball on the floor or operate out of mid-post to create for himself.

The Clippers brought in Hachimura because of his scoring ability, and they’ll lean heavily on him to start the year with the injuries to two starters.