OG Anunoby aiming to return from injury ahead of playoffs
OG Anunoby recently underwent surgery to remove a loose bone fragment from his right elbow. He has missed the New York Knicks last nine games. Currently, there's no timeframe for Anunoby's return to the rotation.
However, during a news conference on Tuesday, Anunoby revealed that he's aiming to be back on the court ahead of the playoffs.
“Yeah, for sure [I’ll be back before the playoffs], hopefully,” Anunoby said. “Just following the doctors’ orders, following the medical staff, just progressing day by day. I’m feeling better and better every day. So, yeah. I want to be back as soon as possible.”
The Knicks acquired Anunoby on Dec. 30. They gave up R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to get the deal over the line. Since joining the Knicks, Anunoby has emerged as the ideal partner for Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. He brings a defensive grit on the wings that perfectly suits Tom Thibodeau's system.
New York has also added Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks in recent weeks. Both were trade deadline acquisitions for a team that's planning to make some noise in the playoffs. As such, it makes sense for Anunoby to be targeting a return before the postseason. He will want the opportunity to get back into game shape. He will need to rediscover his rhythm,
If Anunoby can get healthy and get back to the level he was at before his injury, the Knicks will be a serious playoff threat. Right now, the Philadelphia 76ers are unsure if Joel Embiid will be available for the playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks have some serious issues on both sides of the floor. And the Miami Heat look a million miles away from the team that surged to the NBA Finals last season. New York has an opportunity to make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Kicks are navigating multiple injuries. Anunoby, Randle, and Mitchell Robinson are all sidelined. Still, if they can continue to win games and remain seeded for the postseason, Knicks fans could have a lot to be excited about in the coming months, especially if Anunoby and Randle are back to their best.
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