Tom Thibodeau supplied an atypically revealing reply Friday when requested if the Knicks’ inaction on the commerce deadline except for one minor transfer was a sign that they’re anticipating Mitchell Robinson again quickly from an ankle harm.
“You guys can learn the tea leaves,” Thibodeau stated. “We like our workforce quite a bit. Clearly, we’re enthusiastic about Mitch. However we additionally really feel [rookie] Ariel [Hukporti] has performed an excellent job, and Valuable [Achiuwa] has performed an excellent job. That’s actually how we strategy it.
“[Team president] Leon [Rose] and his employees, they’re on all of it 12 months lengthy. I believe there’s a bent to suppose this occurs a pair days earlier than [deadline]. They’re all the time wanting if they’ll enhance the membership. If there’s one thing that is smart, they discover it. Then, you go from there. However we like our workforce quite a bit.”
Robinson lastly was cleared for contact earlier this week following offseason ankle surgical procedure.
Thibodeau stated the 7-footer, who was dominated out for Saturday’s residence sport in opposition to the Celtics, “did fairly a bit in apply” and was “shifting nicely,” however he nonetheless has not resumed 5-on-5 scrimmaging.
OG Anunoby additionally participated in “components” of the session, Thibodeau added, and he’s listed as uncertain after lacking the previous two video games with a sprained proper foot.
Thibodeau stated Anunoby engaged in “just a little, however not a lot” contact throughout apply, however he referred to as that “simply precautionary” and stated the two-way ahead was “shifting fairly good.”
Veteran guard Delon Wright practiced after arriving in Wednesday’s commerce with the Bucks for Jericho Sims. The Knicks are his tenth workforce in 10 NBA seasons.
“Only a good strong veteran. Been round,” Thibodeau stated. “Provides us insurance coverage at that place. Can guard a number of positions. So, we felt it was good for us.
“We like his measurement [6-5] in his place quite a bit, so simply see the way it goes.”
Karl-Anthony Cities (knee) and Josh Hart (knee) are each listed as possible.
Jrue Vacation is out for the Celtics with a proper shoulder impingement.