The pre-season star Knicks is already injured. Two former lottery players from the same position developed chips on the first night. And their travel starter was not impressive.
The Guardian remains undeniably Knicks’ No. 1.
Immanuel Quickley, the Kentucky first-round voter who was already a fan favorite after his strong performance in the last two showdown games, suffered a hip indicator in the season-opening loss to the Pacers on Wednesday night and is listed as Day -today. He was kept out of a light workout on Thursday after waking up hip to hip.
“Hopefully it won’t take long,” coach Tom Thibodeau said after Thursday’s practice.
Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr., the 2017 lottery pick (Smith was picked by the Mavericks) who are still trying to settle, did not do enough to impress Thibodeau during the pre-season to justify being part of his rotation. of 10 people. Even without Quickley in the second half on Wednesday, Thibodeau opted to use Alec Burks at the point over Ntilikina and Smith, neither of whom received the rookie contract extension until Monday.
“Everything is based on performance,” said Thibodeau, who finally addressed Ntilikina in the closing minutes on Wednesday night. “You have to make difficult decisions, and we have. But I never write to anyone, as long as they keep working and when the opportunity arises, be ready ”.
Then there’s Elfrid Payton, the veteran who nodded over Quickley at the starting line and was a minus-15 against Indiana, making more turnovers (five) than had assists (three) or goals on the field ( three).
Not sure if Quickley will be able to play in the home opener against the 76ers on Saturday in the fanless garden. Before being injured, Quickley scored five points and had an assist and a steal, continuing his quality game. Thursday was just a walk and the Knicks are gone on Friday, so he will use the time to get treatment. Quickley suffered an injury in the second quarter, after Myles Turner, the Pacers striker, was controlled by his hips.
“At first I felt good, then I tried to run and I just didn’t feel good,” Quickley said. “We hope it improves.”
If he can’t go, Ntilikina or Smith could have a chance, unless Thibodeau opts again for Burks, who can play either on the ball or off.
Burks had a strong debut, scoring 22 points in 6-of-12, adding three assists and just a turnover in 32 minutes. However, the argument may be that Knicks may be better off using him as a starter on guard duty or making sure he focuses on scoring rather than attack.
At least Nitilikina got a shot, playing five minutes from the fourth quarter, in which he missed both shot attempts and was a minus-5. Smith did not get off the bench.
“We will need everyone during the season. Now we see that, “said Thibodeau. “It’s something we’ve been talking about since day one, whether it’s injury, illness or anything you might have. So you sit on a rotation and then there will be opportunities as we move forward. “