Knicks' OG Anunoby is 'right on schedule' in injury recovery
OG Anunoby is expected to return to the Knicks' rotation soon. During a recent episode of ESPN's NBA Countdown, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the veteran forward is "right on schedule" with his recovery.
“There have not been any setbacks," Wojnarowski said. "They’ll re-evaluate him at the end of next week, and then the hope is he starts to get back on the court then.”
The Knicks have remained competitive in Anunoby's absence. However, head coach Tom Thibodeau eagerly awaits his return to the lineup. His presence on the roster elevates New York to a different level, especially on the defensive end. Of course, the Knicks are still waiting for Julius Randle to return from injury, and there's still no guarantee Mitchell Robinson will return this season.
Nevertheless, Anunoby can be a game-changer for the Knicks. In the 14 games he's played for New York, he's averaging 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 51.6% from the field and 39.1% from 3-point range.
The additions of Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks at the trade deadline will also be key for the team's chances of making a deep postseason run. Anunoby's defense has raised the team's floor, while Bogdanovic's shot-making will also be key to the Knicks' half-court offense.
Once Anunoby is back, the next step will be to get him back in game shape. From there, the Knicks will need to remain healthy. If Randle re-enters the fold this season, Thibodeau's team will likely be a surprise package in the East. And that's exactly why the front office made their flurry of moves over the past few months.
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