The Knicks don’t often release injured players to the media until they are ready to return to action, but OG Anunoby made his first public comments since leaving the rotation with an elbow injury that required surgery. This should not be interpreted as referring to him. He suited up right after the All-Star break.
The two-way forward has not yet been cleared to practice, but Anunoby said his rehabilitation is “progressing day by day” so far.
And he “definitely” expects to be back on the court for the Knicks before the end of the regular season and in time for the playoffs.
“Yeah, it definitely sucks, but I want to get better as soon as possible and be ready for the rest of the season,” Anunoby said Tuesday in his first public comments since the injury. “Just follow the doctor’s orders, follow the medical staff and progress day by day.
“But I’m feeling better and better, so of course I want to get back as soon as possible.”
Anunoby was added to the lineup from the Raptors in a trade in late December and has given the Knicks a huge boost, resulting in a 12-2 record in 14 games, including a win over the Heat on January 27, his most recent appearance. left.
All-Star forward Julius Randle also dislocated his right shoulder in the same game and has not been cleared to resume team practice.
Other players missed time as the Knicks limped into the All-Star break with a 15-2 record and five wins of six.
“Yeah, it was unfortunate timing for the whole team. But next guy up,” Anunoby said. “Everyone is stepping up. Jericho. [Sims]precious [Achiuwa] It was really good.bogie [Bojan Bogdanovic] and alec [Burks] I’m coming in [via deadline trade with the Pistons].
“We have a great team. I’m really looking forward to coming back. I think the whole team is excited to play together again and take another leap forward.”
The Knicks, who resume play Thursday in Philadelphia, announced on Feb. 8 that Anunoby would undergo surgery to remove a bone fragment in his right elbow and be re-examined in three weeks.
“Yes, we tried other options. We tried rest. We tried treatments. We tried ramping it up,” Anunoby said. “But I think everyone agreed that this is the best option to move forward 100%.”
The London native added that the injury was “plaguing” him in January, but “I didn’t know exactly when it started,” and he was removed from the lineup before the game against the Knicks because it “swelled up.” It was removed. ™ Win at Charlotte on January 29th.
Asked if he was dealing with injuries earlier this season or before his time with the Raptors, Anunoby said, “No, not early in my career.” My elbow hurt, but I didn’t really worry about it. He didn’t think anything of it, but his elbow started to swell. I don’t know exactly what happened or what made me feel like Charlotte. ”
Anunoby added that there is “no target date” for his return to action, but manager Tom Thibodeau said the forward’s progress has included cardio and “left-handed practice” off the court. .
“He hasn’t been cleared to do anything on the court yet. But overall he’s doing well,” Thibodeau said. “Let him go every day and when he’s ready, he’ll be ready.
“He can condition, that kind of thing. So he’s probably pretty close to the next step. And that’s probably going to be the shooting component. And once he gets to that stage, That’s when he’s ready.”
