PHILADELPHIA — See you after the All-Star break.
As anticipated, Mitchell Robinson wasn’t cleared to play after a latest re-evaluation of his damaged proper thumb. There’s nonetheless no return date for the middle, however the Knicks dominated him out for 3 video games after Friday towards the Sixers.
“It’s going to take time to heal,” Robinson mentioned. “After the All-Star break is what it is.”
Team proprietor James Dolan mentioned on Jan. 26 that Robinson could be out about 4 extra weeks, which might undertaking the return as Feb 24 on the Wizards — the primary recreation after the All-Star break.
Robinson mentioned he began capturing with a splint however can’t take in contact.
“We didn’t get to that point yet,” Robinson mentioned. “But I’m pretty sure we’ll do that right after the All-Star break.”
Coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned Robinson is “ramped up” together with his conditioning, which is an encouraging signal the 24-year-old can return to video games rapidly after being cleared for contact.
Before Friday’s recreation in Philly, the Knicks had been 5-5 since Robinson fractured his thumb towards the Wizards on Jan. 18. Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein have crammed in as a two-man platoon at middle, seemingly alternating between good and dangerous performances.
It’s been efficient sufficient to maintain the Knicks afloat, however Robinson is their best choice as a rebounder and rim protector. He’s additionally their most costly and damage inclined.
The thumb surgical procedure was the second on his proper hand in two years. He additionally underwent surgical procedure on his foot in 2021 and has missed 70 video games within the final three seasons.
For his present damage, Robinson mentioned his thumb linked with the ball as Washington’s Bradley Beal drove to the ring.
“[The pain] was instant,” Robinson mentioned. “It was a feeling like damn near two years ago when the same thing happened [when he broke his hand against the Wizards]. Same team. Same half. Same spot on the court. That’s just crazy.”
CAM’S EXILE NOT PERSONAL
It was solely enterprise.
That was Tom Thibodeau’s retrospect clarification for benching Reddish within the final two months earlier than the ahead was traded to the Blazers.
“Just coach’s decision,” Thibodeau mentioned. “When you get in there, you have the opportunity to play and you got to play well and the team has to function well when you’re on the floor. There were some good moments, but there were some moments that maybe weren’t as good as we would’ve hoped. Maybe the inconsistency more than anything else. But as I said, I like Cam a lot.”
Thibodeau beforehand denied a report that Reddish complained about his function to an assistant coach early within the season when he was taking part in.
The Knicks gave up a first-round choose to amass Reddish in 2021, then gave up a first-round choose Thursday to ship him to the Blazers for guard Josh Hart.
NO HART DEBUT
Josh Hart handed his bodily and met his new group in Philadelphia however arrived late and Thibodeau didn’t really feel comfy throwing him into Friday’s recreation.
Thibodeau was once more non-committal on whether or not Hart shall be a starter.
“We’ll see how it works,” Thibodeau mentioned. “We’ve set to work him in first so there’ll be a working-in interval first.
JALEN BRUNSON SNUBBED AGAIN
The Knicks level guard was not among the many three damage replacements for the All-Star recreation, however he might have one other alternative.
Toronto’s Pascal Siakam, Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards and Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox changed the injured trio of Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson and Steph Curry.
Boston’s Jaylen Brown, who suffered a facial damage Thursday, is not sure of his standing for the All-Star recreation. If he’s out, Brunson, Jimmy Butler and James Harden are the main candidates for the spot.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com