The Nuggets will have to find a way to make it through the 2015-16 NBA season without one of its veterans, Wilson Chandler.

Chandler, who signed a $46.5 million contract with the Nuggets in the summer, has been ruled out for the season after being diagnosed with a labral tear.

Wiggins, Towns Have Wolves Looking Like The New OKC

The injury was reportedly suffered by Chandler during the preseason and surgery is expected to happen early next week in New York.

After undergoing surgery, Chandler is expected to make a complete recovery after a six-month rehab process.

Matt Barnes Rightly Still Holding Grudge Against Derek Fisher

His absence serves a big blow for first-year head coach Michael Malone who will now have to look for someone else to pick up the slack left by Chandler. The Nuggets are currently 4-4, though it remains to be seen if the team can continue to sustain their pace with a crucial player taken out of the equation.

Chandler averaged close to 14 points and six rebounds per game last season, but the experience he brings is something that will be missed. For Chandler, this marks the second time that he has fallen to a hip injury, the first one of which came back in 2012. In his absence, Malone is expected to turn to Will Barton.

"While we are extremely disappointed by the news, we are confident that Wilson will be at full strength to start next season," general manager Tim Connelly said via the Associated Press. "Wilson is one of the league's elite workers and we are going to be there for him during this entire process."

For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook