Knicks forward OG Anunoby underwent right elbow surgery to remove a loose bone fragment and is out at least three weeks, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The team confirmed the news, stating that Anunoby will be reevaluated in three weeks.
According to Woj, the procedure is considered relatively minor. Anunoby tried to see if rest would heal the injury, but it was determined surgery was ultimately the best route to take to be fully healed ahead of the playoffs.
Anunoby last played on Jan. 27 and has missed the past five games with the injured elbow. Based on the three-week timeline, he will miss a minimum of eight more contests, including Thursday’s game against Dallas.
The good news is that the All-Star break is next week, and the Knicks don’t play from Feb. 15-21.
Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported earlier Thursday that New York was motivated to add wing depth in part due to concern over Anunoby’s injury. Prior to the deadline, the Knicks traded for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks.
Anunoby, 26, was acquired from Toronto in a previous in-season trade. The defensive stalwart had an excellent start to his Knicks career, averaging 15.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG and 1.1 BPG on .516/.391/.842 shooting. He’s set to hit unrestricted free agency in the offseason.
With Anunoby and Julius Randle (dislocated right shoulder) sidelined, Josh Hart, Precious Achiuwa, Bogdanovic and Burks will likely receive the majority of the minutes at the two forward spots, but Burks also plays guard.
More must-reads: