Derrick Rose is again with the Knicks, and whereas he nonetheless received’t be enjoying any time quickly, he can now lend his veteran presence in particular person once more.
The purpose guard has rejoined the Knicks at their follow facility in Tarrytown, after undergoing ankle surgery on Dec. 22 that the group mentioned would preserve him out for no less than eight weeks.
“It’s nice to see him again within the constructing,” coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned Tuesday. “He’s transferring round just a little bit, [but] he’s nonetheless bought an extended rehab to undergo.”
The Knicks have missed Rose as their level guard for the second unit, however the 33-year-old’s return to the group has nonetheless offered a carry as he goes by his personal difficult street again to the courtroom.
“I believe his mindset is nice,” teammate Taj Gibson mentioned. “He was smiling, he was comfortable. He understands that it’s a course of so far as getting mentally proper, however ensuring you possibly can carry out at 110 %. And figuring out the place we’re at within the standings (eleventh place within the Jap Convention getting into Tuesday) and we’re good there and figuring out he’s coming again, so we’ve nonetheless bought a while to make up some floor. I believe he’s on a constructive word.”
It’s doable the Knicks may get Kemba Walker and Nerlens Noel again on Wednesday towards the Mavericks. Walker has not performed since Dec. 29 because of left knee soreness whereas Noel has been out since Dec. 22 because of COVID-19.
“Each guys are day-to-day,” Thibodeau mentioned. “They’re doing extra. So we’ll see how they really feel [Wednesday]. However they’re ramping it up, so hopefully it’s good.”
Thibodeau mentioned the primary a part of Walker’s absence was letting his knee “relax” and now the coaching employees is “loading him again up.”
As for Noel, he was cleared from well being and security protocols final Tuesday however has nonetheless not performed since as he works to get his conditioning again.
Kristaps Porzingis received’t be making a return to the Backyard on Wednesday night time, because the Mavericks dominated him out resulting from well being and security protocols.
The Knicks will see former teammate Reggie Bullock, although, whose presence they’ve missed defensively after letting him go to Dallas in free company final offseason.
“Simply with the connection that we had right here, clearly he was nice for us, he’s an excellent teammate and I’m comfortable to see that he’s enjoying nicely over there, particularly as of late,” Julius Randle mentioned. “It’ll be pretty to see him for positive.”
The Knicks assigned Miles McBride to G-League Westchester, the place he and Jericho Sims have been obtainable to play Tuesday night time.
