In recent memory, the Knicks have been noted for their lack of success combined with the absence of a star-studded roster. This season, the Knicks have revived themselves with the addition of great players from around the league.
OG Anunoby was one such acquisition, brought in to improve the defensive unit and also to shoot the ball effectively. Anunoby was the perfect player for the Knicks. While an unfortunate injury sidelined the player, there is a strong conviction that he will return to play in a short while.
Anunoby’s surgery and expected recovery timeline
Ever since his trade to the Knicks, OG Anunoby has been one of the most consistent players for the team, providing defensive tenacity and reliable scoring in tense moments. However, the player’s smooth strides with the team had to come to pause after a loose bone fragment was discovered in the player’s right elbow.
The discovery forced the player to undergo surgery to initiate healing, and the team revealed that OG Anunoby would be able to return to basketball activities in three weeks, a short period that can provide much-needed recovery for the player. While the Knicks have managed to perform efficiently in the player’s absence so far, thanks to Jalen Brunson, many have expressed their concern about the team’s defensive placements on the wing, a vantage point the team had with Anunoby in their corner.
In 5 games without Anunoby, the Knicks have maintained their reputation of being a force to reckon with, going 4-1. This season, OG Anunoby has been flawless for New York starting in all 14 games he has played for the team in Big Apple.
Scoring 15.6 points per game, Anunoby also secures on average 4.6 rebounds per game and dishes out 1.1 assists. OG Anunoby’s absence will not be a major hit for the team, considering the mid-season All-Star break which is going to be held throughout the coming weekend.
Roster challenges: Knicks dealing with multiple injuries and trades
The New York Knicks have a strong roster but the constant injuries stop the team from reaching it’s true potential. Anunoby’s injury is not the only one that concerns the squad. Ranging from their beloved superstar Jalen Brunson to role players, the Knicks have multiple injured players to look out for.
Ahead of the Knicks’ game against the Mavericks, the team listed Jalen Brunson on the team’s injury report, a move that was taken with caution to eliminate the risk of aggravation or even worse, a serious injury. Julius Randle is also another player who will not be playing for the Knicks for a considerable period. Another key player, Josh Hart, too suffered a blow to the knee but somehow managed to play the fixture against the Dallas Mavericks.
The extent of injuries has hurt the team so badly that only eight players were available for the game against the Mavericks, resulting in a blowout. Joining the list of injured players are Jericho Sims and star center Mitchell Robinson. Another key player on the team’s injury list is Quentin Grimes, who missed his fourth consecutive game with an apparent knee sprain.
However, Grimes is not the Knicks’ priority at the moment. In a blockbuster deal with the Pistons, the Knicks acquired star Alex Burks and veteran Bojan Bogdanovic, which adds significant strength to the roster. Both players are known for their perimeter scoring and provide massive reinforcements to the team that has been playing without their starting five for quite some time.
What do you think of the Knicks injury status at this stage of the season? Can the Knicks recover from such a setback? How crucial is Jalen Brunson to the Knicks?
