New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby recently underwent surgery to remove a loose bone fragment in his right elbow. The procedure, described as minor, was successful and he is expected to resume basketball activities in three weeks. This news comes as a relief to the Knicks, who are hopeful that Anunoby will be fully healed and ready to contribute for the team’s stretch run and playoffs.
Anunoby has already missed five consecutive games and will be sidelined for four more before the All-Star break, which begins for the Knicks on February 15th. The team initially tried a period of rest before deciding that surgery was the best course of action. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressed confidence in the medical staff’s decision, stating that they trusted the player’s well-being and wanted to ensure a full recovery.
Since joining the Knicks after being acquired from the Toronto Raptors in late December, Anunoby has made a significant impact on the team’s performance. In the 14 games he has played, the Knicks have won 12, showcasing his ability to contribute to their success. Anunoby has been a consistent scoring threat, averaging 15.6 points per game, and has also made an impact on the defensive end of the court.
Anunoby has quickly established himself as one of the league’s best defenders since his arrival in New York. He has held opponents to a shooting percentage of 36.7% as the closest defender, which is the best in the league among players who have defended 150 or more shots. His presence on the court has been instrumental in the Knicks’ defensive efforts and has garnered recognition from fans and analysts alike.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Anunoby has also showcased his shooting ability. He has made 39% of his three-point shots since joining the Knicks, including 19 corner three-pointers. His scoring and shooting efficiency have been crucial for the team’s offensive success. Furthermore, Anunoby’s plus-minus rating in his first 14 games with the Knicks is the highest since play-by-play tracking began in 1996-1997. His impressive plus-252 mark is also tied for the second-best in the NBA since January 1st, trailing only the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell.
The injuries to both Anunoby and teammate Julius Randle played a significant role in the Knicks’ decision to make moves during the trade deadline. The team acquired Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons to bolster their lineup and provide additional support. Randle’s absence, combined with Anunoby’s injury, created a need for added depth and scoring options, leading to these acquisitions.
Unfortunately for the Knicks, injuries have plagued the team throughout the season. In addition to Anunoby and Randle, the team has been without Mitchell Robinson, who has been sidelined since December due to ankle surgery. Jalen Brunson, another key player for the Knicks, is also currently dealing with a sprained ankle. The team’s struggle with injuries was further exacerbated during their recent game when Isaiah Hartenstein was ruled out for the second half due to a sore left Achilles. These ongoing injuries have put a strain on the team’s lineup, testing their depth and resilience.
Despite the setbacks caused by injuries, the Knicks remain optimistic about the future. The team is hopeful that Bogdanovic and Burks will be ready to make their debut in the upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers. However, their availability will depend on the results of physical examinations. Additionally, the status of forward Taj Gibson, who is on the final day of his current 10-day contract with the franchise, remains uncertain.
OG Anunoby’s recent elbow surgery may have sidelined him temporarily, but the Knicks are optimistic about his quick recovery and his ability to contribute to the team’s success in the near future. As the team navigates through a challenging season riddled with injuries, they remain focused on their goal to make a strong push in the playoffs. With Anunoby’s return on the horizon and the support of their newly acquired players, the Knicks look forward to finishing the season strong and making a splash in the postseason.
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