'Such a shame': NBA world erupts over 'terrible' Joe Ingles news

Aussie Joe Ingles' worst fears have been realised with the Utah Jazz star ruled out of the remainder of the NBA season after scans confirmed he tore an anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

A key piece for the title-contending Jazz, Ingles was driving to the basket in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves when his left knee buckled in a non-contact incident.

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The sickening moment saw the crowd go silent as teammates surrounded Ingles while he writhed around in pain on the court.

The 34-year-old was then whisked off the court in the arms of Jazz staff members.

Scans unfortunately confirmed the worst with the Jazz revealing Ingles will have surgery in the coming weeks - the recovery period from such a procedure is generally nine to 12 months.

"The MRI revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee with no other structural damage," a Jazz statement read.

"Ingles will remain out indefinitely with surgery taking place in the next several weeks. Further updates will be provided when appropriate."

The 34-year-old is off contract at season's end - having played 635 out of 650 games since arriving at the Jazz in 2014-15 and becoming their all-time three-point leader.

Naturally, the seriousness of the injury and Ingles' age has led to concerns that the Aussie might have played his last game in the NBA.

The news has left NBA fans devastated on social media, with many praying the Aussie makes a speedy recovery.

Concerns for Joe Ingles' future after injury

Ingles entered Sunday's game averaging 7.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 40.8 per cent from the floor and a career-worst 35.1 per cent from deep, down from a career-high 45.1 per cent last season.

The injury could cost him millions of dollars, coming off his $18 million one-year deal with Utah.

It is possible Ingles has played his last game in Utah, who will become a free agent after the season, or his expiring contract could be valuable in a trade.

Ingles was a crucial piece as the Boomers powered to a historic bronze medal at last year's Tokyo Olympics and is adored by the Utah fans and teammates.

"Seeing Joe, that took a lot out of guys. Tears in his eyes. We know how much it means to him, this game means to him and what we mean to him," teammate Mike Conley said.

"It's tough but not everything is supposed to be easy ... you just pray for Joe, hope it's as minimal as possible.

"He was in a tough state (at halftime), everybody came in and told him we loved him, gave him a hug."

Fellow teammate Rudy Gay said Ingles' presence as the Jazz's glue guy went beyond his production on the court.

"It's not even about the basketball; just having him in the locker room is good for us. He's our guy," he said.

Pipped by teammate Jordan Clarkson for NBA sixth man of the year honours last season, he has established himself as one of the league's best perimeter shooters and basketball minds.

The Jazz are 30-21 on the season but have lost five in a row and are in fourth place in the NBA's Western Conference.

with AAP

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