Heading into the season opener, the last thing the New York Knicks want to deal with is injuries. While Carmelo Anthony might be healthy for the year ahead, several other playmakers are dealing with injuries that could be serious is not healed quickly. With Arron Affalo already doubtful to play Wednesday night, just how hurt is Robin Lopez?
According to Lopez, his injury is not serious as the center expects to be fine for the starter of the season. The New York Daily News is reporting that Lopez is deal with an undisclosed injury, but it is not expected to linger into the season. That is good news for Knicks considering he is the only true center on the roster and they cannot afford to lose him for a period of time. After signing a four-year contract, Lopez logged 18.2 minutes per game in the preseason.
"Yeah (I've been dealing with a physical ailment), but it wasn't anything too serious," Lopez said, via the Daily News. "I'm on the right track. I'm getting back to where I want to be and I'm almost there. It's nothing serious. Just the regular wear and tear."
Lopez says the injury is normal wear and tear and he will be fine. Kristaps Porzingis has been dealing with the same type of injuries as he has sat for everything from knee soreness to quad soreness. The Knicks need both Lopez and Porzingis healthy. Team president Phil Jackson faced a lot of criticism regarding the arrival of both players and he needs them to perform.
Afflalo is unlikely to play in the season opener. According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, Afflalo re-aggravated his hamstring injury and could sit out opening night. Afflalo has been dealing with this injury all preseason which is not a good sign for the months to come. If the shooting guard is out, Sasha Vujacic is the likely filler while Langston Galloway or Jerian Grant could also see the start. With Jose Calderon starting at point guard, either Galloway or Grant could take the shooting guard spot.
Grant has impressed as a rookie while Galloway has been dominating in the stats. Both point guards are set to make the roster and see significant playing time while Galloway could end up being a trade target if he plays well. It is clear that Calderon is the short-term option at point guard while Grant is the future. That leaves Galloway on the outside looking in as the Knicks could get something of value for the point guard is team's team interest. In the meantime, Grant must continue to prove he can help carry the franchise in the future.
"Jerian has a good feel for the game," head coach Derek Fisher said, via the Daily News. "It's a hard thing to do for young guys to have a pace and kind of composure to his game which I think allows for more efficiency. A lot of times young guys just play really fast and are trying really hard. And I think Jerian's ability to kind of - whether it's natural or learned, he's a pretty cool guy, pretty relaxed and calm."
