Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is making “really good progress” in his recovery from a sprained right ankle, head coach Tom Thibodeau said on Monday, according to Ian Begley of SNY.tv.
Brunson is feeling “a lot better” and has been able to do more rehab work every day, per Thibodeau, who referred to his point guard as “day-to-day, basically.” The team announced on Saturday that Brunson was expected to remain sidelined at least one more week.
“(He’s) doing a lot of shooting, working the pool, working the bike. Stuff like that. “So his conditioning is pretty good actually,” Thibodeau said, adding that getting clearance to take part in practice is “probably” the next step in Brunson’s recovery process.
While Begley has heard that Brunson’s rehab is moving faster than initially expected, he stresses that the Knicks have no intention of bringing back the 28-year-old until he’s 100% healthy. Still, according to Begley, there has been no consideration that Brunson will remain out for the rest of the regular season.
Here’s more on the Knicks:
- In an in-depth story for The Athletic, Mike Vorkunov digs into the adversarial relationship that Knicks owner James Dolan has established with the NBA. Dolan’s long list of grievances with the league include the way in which the new media deals devalue teams’ regional sports networks (including Dolan’s MSG Networks) and the NBA’s revenue sharing system. “Dolan hates the idea of giving money on revenue sharing,” one former team owner told Vorkunov. “He’s been totally against it from the beginning.”
- With Miles McBride ruled out for a second straight game on Tuesday vs. Dallas due to a left groin contusion/strain, rookie Tyler Kolek may be in line for a rotation role again after registering eight assists in 18 minutes in Saturday’s win over Washington. Thibodeau believes the first-year guard is up to the task, referring to him as a “gym rat” who’s getting better every day, as Bridget Reilly of The New York Post details. “He’s worked hard all year. The things that he needed to do, he did,” Thibodeau said. “He works, he’s a tireless worker. Performed well in the G League. So when the opportunity came, he was ready. And there’s still obviously a lot of work to be done but he keeps getting better and better and that’s a good sign.”
- Knicks forward Josh Hart is averaging just 9.9 points per game on 40.8% shooting during Brunson’s absence, compared to 14.5 PPG on 54.7% shooting up until that point of the season. He spoke to reporters on Monday on how his role changes with Brunson – and now McBride – not on the floor. Reilly has the story and the quotes for The New York Post.
how badly they have played since he got hurt shows he is the MVP of the team.
I think a big reason Hart’s numbers have declined is his knee injury. He’s downplaying it because he’s tough but it’s clear that it is having a big effect on his jump shot and his explosiveness in transition. Would love it if he sat a few games to rest up but I doubt he would want to do that. Since he returned in February, he’s shooting .423 overall and .326 from 3. Shooting .556/.337 before then.
There are three weeks left to the season. Knicks have 12 gms. Safe to say our position is safe. As the third seed in East. So there’s no reason to rush back Brunson. Another week – 10 days seems right. All about the playoffs now.
Kolek has a chance to step up. Help the team and help himself. Time to show out player. Go get it ….
Not a big Dolan fan. Silver spoon kid. The man has done well in his business. Sucks as the Knick owner. Thibs and Rose are making him look good for once.
I have to agree with him. Big market teams shouldn’t have to foot the bill for small market teams. MSG is one of first cable sporst network ever. They showed everyone else how to do it. He absolutely deserves a bigger slice of revenue. NBA and owners can find other ways to grease the wheels.
Kolek — 19 mins, 9 ast ….. good showing.
This for the guy who thinks. OG and Bridges are overpaid and have no offense. …….
OG with 35 pts, Bridges with 21 pts.
In a 128 — 113 win over Mavs at home.
Since Brunson went down against Lakers. The pair in 9 gms have stepped up their offense. As they should. read it aristotle. I’ve done all the work for you. Since we know you don’t follow the Knicks.
Bridges is avg 22.3 pts a game.
OG is avg 20.8 pts a game.
From two of best 2Way players in the game.
2Way = means they play offense and defense.