The Knicks are hoping to get two important frontcourt players back in their lineup within the next three weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN said on NBA Countdown (Twitter video link), providing medical updates on Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby.
Robinson, who has been sidelined since undergoing ankle surgery last summer, hopes to return to action by March 1, according to Charania. He recently received medical clearance to practice without restrictions and is expected to begin participating in five-on-five scrimmages soon.
There were numerous trade rumors involving Robinson over the past month, but the Knicks reportedly didn’t have any substantial talks about moving him. Instead, they sent Jericho Sims to Milwaukee as part of a four-team deal that has left the team somewhat short-handed in the middle.
Anunoby, who’s missing his third straight game tonight, isn’t expected to return until after the All-Star Game, Charania adds. That means he’ll also sit out Tuesday’s contest at Indiana and Wednesday’s home game against Atlanta.
Anunoby was originally diagnosed with a sprained right foot, but Charania reports that it’s actually a toe issue. He adds that it’s “more of an irritating injury” rather than something structural.
Anunoby, who has appeared in 49 of the Knicks’ first 51 games, is averaging 16.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 36.3 minutes per night. Injuries limited him to 50 total games last season with New York and Toronto.
March 1? Why would this guy possibly need another three weeks? He should be ready to go right after the All-Star break. Give me a break.
Yeah. Usually when you start taking contact it doesn’t take another three weeks to get into a game. Maybe a week and a half at most. But this is Mitch we’re talking about and they never brought in additional help at the deadline so maybe they’re being extra extra extra careful.
Bench scoring. #1 priority……. OK….. SOOoooo
Celtics bench —. 43 pts
Knicjs bench —. 28 pts
Celtics —. 48 rebs
Knicks —. 30 rebs
One guess where Mitch helps ——- TJ where are you. Better find scoring ……
BOS was a test for the NYK as to “where they are” and they failed. I wasn’t surprised that they failed, but I was hoping they’d prove me wrong. It was game between the best 3 pt shooting team in the league and the worst 3 pt defending team in the league. Result: 48.7% from 3. A clown show. Basically, BOS’s average shooter shot 6% better than Steph Curry’s career %.
Maybe the complete blowout was a good thing, in that it might be a wakeup call. Something has to change, and not merely on the margin. In short, the defense stinks. Not just tonight, it’s stunk all year, floating between uninspiring and putrid. But, before tonight, the fanbase (and maybe the FO) could ignore it because we were winning inspite of the defense due to a prolific offense. Thankfully, they play CLE and BOS again in late Feb. More tests, let’s try and pass one, or at least fail less spectacularly.
Kornet-14 points 12 boards and 3 blocks
Towns-9 points 9 boards and 1 block.
I know those are just counting stats, but when Towns gets eaten by Kornet in a big game it’s not a good look.
And yeah, the D ain’t there.
Luke Kornet was the key to the Celtics fast start.
KAT had a bad game, and is having a bad few weeks. He’s likely still adjusting the finger injury and clearly frustrated over it. Longer term, I’m not really worried about KAT. He’ll right himself.
The NYK D hasn’t been there all year. 52 games in, and we’re 30th (for the season) in opponent 3 pt shooting in a league of 30 teams where 1/3rd of them are all but trying to lose. That’s not a bad game, that’s a bad team, at least on that end of the floor.
No knock on you. but I’d be worried about him. My point had less to do with him being outplayed by Luke Kornet of all people, and more to do with his rep of not coming through in big games. He’s a far worse playoff performer than regular season historically.
Google first game. It’s basically a mirror image. Towns didn’t show up there either. And basically lost in the first Q. Not much has changed unfortunately.
Yep. 24-9. 8 minutes in (game over).
TJ Warren G-league stats. Not expecting a savior. Just positive production. Out of 4-5 guys. You ho withhit gand. There is strenght in numbers. Only Thibs has to use it. Mitch is far away. Need to look into more scoring.
TJ Warren — 36 mins, 26.2 pts, 6.5 rebs, , 3.5 ast,
6’8” hgt, 220 lbs, 31 yrs old.
I agree, TJ is the ideal 15th man for us. He’s the bizarro Precious, same size but completely opposite game, all O and no D. He gives us something we’re lacking.
We have so little room below the second apron that we can only afford a prorated veteran’s minimum contract beginning March 1. That’s the same day Robinson is slated to return. So, we could add Mitch and TJ for our final 23 regular season games. Pretty nice shot in the arm.
Knicks better sign TJ soon before he’s gone like Okeke. Why not release Ryan and give Moses Brown a chance as well. Horrible game last night against Boston
I hope they are at least looking at him. We’ve had him all yr. They should know how he is.. I know they are waiting to see who gets cut. But you’re right. Someone could grab him.
You got answers ???? To what exactly. Does anyone play past the 8th man. Since google doesn’t work for you. Try Websters look up bench scoring. And now depth works.
Knicks need Mitch 100%. There is no ifs, ands, or buts. We need him for a playoff run. So March is it. Been saying he won’t be in gm shape till April. Knicks also need him at his best. To showcase him to L. So he can be traded next yr. So there is no way to rush this. Think playoffs and then trade next yr.
Hukporti is more than capable of giving backup mins till Mitch plays. Bench scoring is still an issue. How long have I been saying it ??????
Hart to bench —-
OG out it doesn’t matter. A healthy Knicks team.
You start Precious. Hart is the spark off the bench. Can still play 34 mins. Now it makes Bridges better on O. And Towns better on D. To start game. Not rocket science……..
Knicks truly love this guy…wow