New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Latest announcements show how deep Knicks' injury issues ran

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 5/22/24

The New York Knicks have confirmed that Jalen Brunson and Bogdan Bogdanovic have both undergone successful surgeries. Brunson's surgery was on his left hand, while Bogdanovic's left wrist required medical attention. The Knicks postseason came to an end on Saturday when they fell to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Tom Thibodeau's team dealt with a slew of injury issues throughout the postseason. Julius Randle was ruled out for the season due to a shoulder injury. Mitchell Robinson was sidelined after battling back from surgery. Brunson was playing hurt. Josh Hart had abdominal issues. And Bogdanovic got shut down early in the playoffs.

Jalen Brunson underwent successful surgery on his left hand. He will be re-evaluated in 6-8 weeks.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) May 22, 2024

With so many injuries, the Knicks' ability to force a Game 7 against Rick Carlisle's team was impressive. They continually found a way to overcome players being out of the rotation. Furthermore, they continued to be a difficult opponent to face.

Part of New York's issues were likely due to the heavy minutes Thibodeau asked his players to play. However, the veteran head coach isn't totally to blame. Multiple members of his primary rotation were on the injury report, and he was trying to guide his team to the conference finals.

Bojan Bogdanovic underwent successful surgery on his left wrist. He will be re-evaluated in 6-8 weeks.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) May 22, 2024

Nevertheless, the Knicks' announcement that two members of their primary rotation have undergone surgery within days of the team's season ending is telling. The Knicks were decimated by injury. The summer couldn't come quick enough. Now, the front office must improve the team's depth without losing the top-end talent at their disposal or emptying the stockpile of tradeable assets on hand.

When healthy, this version of the Knicks roster is a contending-level team. It's imperative that the coaching staff and front office find ways to keep this tea fresh. They've been building to this moment for years. They can't let it slip away.

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