Knicks forward OG Anunoby underwent right elbow surgery to remove a loose bone fragment and is out at least three weeks, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). The team confirmed the news (via Twitter), stating that Anunoby will be reevaluated in three weeks.
According to Woj, the procedure is considered relatively minor. Anunoby tried to see if rest would heal the injury, but it was determined surgery was ultimately the best route to take to be fully healed ahead of the playoffs (Twitter link).
Anunoby last played on January 27 and has missed the past five games with the injured elbow. Based on the three-week timeline, he will miss a minimum of eight more contests, including Thursday’s game vs. Dallas.
The good news is that the All-Star break is next week, and the Knicks don’t play from February 15-21.
Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported earlier today that New York was motivated to add wing depth in part due to concern over Anunoby’s injury. Prior to the deadline, the Knicks traded for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks.
Anunoby, 26, was acquired from Toronto in a previous in-season trade. The defensive stalwart had an excellent start to his Knicks career, averaging 15.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG and 1.1 BPG on .516/.391/.842 shooting. He’s set to hit unrestricted free agency in the offseason.
With Anunoby and Julius Randle (dislocated right shoulder) sidelined, Josh Hart, Precious Achiuwa, Bogdanovic and Burks will likely receive the majority of the minutes at the two forward spots, though Burks also plays guard.
Sounds like he’ll be ready for 46 min a night come playoff time, go OG!
He’s perpetually injured.
Who can they pick up off the waivers to help? They have two spots on their roster and many players waived today.
Disappointing, but not surprising. The news was getting worse and worse each day. He’s never played a full season, so this is part of what we bargained for. Hopefully, he’ll be back before the playoffs. With Randle and Mitch.
It puts more on the deadline deal. Anunoby made Grimes’ defense a luxury. Now, we have neither for awhile. We do have Hart (as in Jason), and maybe BB can still guard wings (he could at least fake it in his prime). Plus, we have Burks, who played every position for us last time around, so he won’t be overwhelmed.
Three weeks is too soon for OG to be 100%, why rush? I would say four to five weeks before he can play that will give him and the Knicks three weeks of playing time before the playoffs, same with Julius Randle
I’m hoping everyone healthy by the beginning of April including Mitch.
OK ….. get healthy. Get ready for playoffs.
Now I understand the Bogdanovic move.