Tom Thibodeau offered an atypically revealing answer Friday when asked if the Knicks’ inaction at the trade deadline aside from one minor move was an indication that they are expecting Mitchell Robinson back soon from an ankle injury.
“You guys can read the tea leaves,” Thibodeau said. “We like our team a lot. Obviously, we are excited about Mitch. But we also feel [rookie] Ariel [Hukporti] has done a good job, and Precious [Achiuwa] has done a good job. That’s really how we approach it.
“[Team president] Leon [Rose] and his staff, they are on it all year long. I think there’s a tendency to think this happens a couple days before [deadline]. They are always looking if they can improve the club. If there’s something that makes sense, they explore it. Then, you go from there. But we like our team a lot.”
Robinson finally was cleared for contact earlier this week following offseason ankle surgery.
Thibodeau said the 7-footer, who was ruled out for Saturday’s home game against the Celtics, “did quite a bit in practice” and was “moving well,” but he still has not resumed 5-on-5 scrimmaging.
OG Anunoby also participated in “parts” of the session, Thibodeau added, and he is listed as doubtful after missing the past two games with a sprained right foot.
Thibodeau said Anunoby engaged in “a little, but not much” contact during practice, but he called that “just precautionary” and said the two-way forward was “moving pretty good.”
Veteran guard Delon Wright practiced after arriving in Wednesday’s trade with the Bucks for Jericho Sims. The Knicks are his 10th team in 10 NBA seasons.
“Just a good solid veteran. Been around,” Thibodeau said. “Gives us insurance at that position. Can guard multiple positions. So, we felt it was good for us.
“We like his size [6-5] in his position a lot, so just see how it goes.”
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Josh Hart (knee) are both listed as probable.
Jrue Holiday is out for the Celtics with a right shoulder impingement.
Credit: Source link
