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Latest announcements show how deep Knicks' injury issues ran
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.
More must-reads:
- Report: Jalen Brunson could provide 'certainty' to the Knicks this summer
- Despite their great season, the Knicks need to make a change at the top
- The 'New York Knicks first-round picks' quiz
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Luka Doncic dominates Mavericks, spoils Anthony Davis' revenge game as Lakers storm into NBA Cup knockout round
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After missing out on Lane Kiffin, Florida has new top target in coaching search
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Jerry Jones claims Jets turned down absurd trade offer involving Micah Parsons, Quinnen Williams
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In another world, where the Toronto Maple Leafs have 30 points and are playoff contenders, looking to capitalize on a window to win, does the organization take a run at a generational defenseman that could put them over the top? One host and analyst thinks so, arguing that he would trade just about anything, including Matthew Knies, to acquire Quinn Hughes. Talk about whether the Vancouver Canucks will eventually trade Hughes is everywhere these days. The Canucks have told 31 other teams they are open to moving veterans and are making pending UFAs available via trade. To this point, that doesn’t include Hughes. However, he remains the big name, and the talking point around him is that he looks unhappy. Despite saying he’s committed to the team, it appears he’s moving on at some point. Perhaps the Canucks should get the most they can, while he can fetch a massive return. Would The Maple Leafs Be Interested? Who’s kidding whom? If Hughes becomes available, the Leafs will make a call to find out the asking price. And Bryan Hayes noted recently that if that price is Matthew Knies, he’s doing it. Should Toronto get two possible playoff runs out of Hughes — even if he eventually makes his way to New Jersey as a free agent to play with his brothers — Hughes is such a difference-maker, the Maple Leafs have to consider the trade. Hayes even said he’s throwing in picks and whatever else is required to acquire the second-best defensman in the world. Hayes said: “Let’s say the Leafs are really rocking right now, and it’s going to cost you Matthew Knies, I’m doing it, that’s what I’m telling you. I’m doing that, plus the picks and the prospects, like, that’s how good Quinn Hughes is.” Why Quinn Hughes Would Be A Risk For the Maple Leafs Hayes is suggesting the Leafs move on from arguably their best young forward. And, he’s suggesting they do so, even if they know that Hughes is ultimately not re-signing in Toronto. That makes any theorized deal all about how good Toronto thinks they can be with Hughes and without Knies over the next two seasons. It might not look like it so far this season, but the Maple Leafs’ window to win is now with Auston Matthews and William Nylander in their prime. In fact, that window is closing fast and if the team doesn’t push this season and next, they might be looking at starting over. How much of an impact can Hughes make with this roster? That’s the real question. If you were to describe the ideal fit, Hughes is it. Whether moving on from Knies to get what you need is the right play would be heavily debated. Getting Hughes would be huge. Losing Knies means immediately looking for another player to do what he does and at the same or a lower price. That’s no easy task, given how much the salary cap is rising and with what good forwards are commanding. Winning is the priority, but at what cost? Hughes is a long-term rental, probably nothing more. Hayes is behind the idea that you do what you have to, but is he right? There’s no indication a Hughes trade is close. There’s no sign that the Maple Leafs have eyes on him. But, if the opportunity fell into their lap, does GM Brad Treliving do whatever it takes to make that possibilty a reality?
Frank Ragnow update fits troubling 2025 Lions pattern
The Detroit Lions can't catch a break. On Saturday, the Lions announced that center Frank Ragnow, who earlier this week came out of retirement to rejoin the team for the stretch run, failed a physical and won't be returning this season after all. Per Detroit's social media account, Ragnow's medical check-up revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain, eliminating the possibility of the four-time Pro Bowler playing this season. Ragnow, 29, left the game with seemingly plenty left in the tank, and his injury setback is another brutal blow for a Lions team that is starting to look cursed. Frank Ragnow's hamstring injury halts comeback before it even begins Detroit has been dealing with several injuries up front along the offensive line, and Ragnow's potential return would have provided stability to a unit that that's become the team's weak link. In Thursday's 31-24 home loss to the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1), Lions quarterback Jared Goff was pressured on 36.7 percent of his drop-backs and sacked three times, via Pro Football Focus. Graham Glasgow, who replaced Ragnow at center this offseason, missed the game with a knee injury. The Lions are also without left guard Christian Mahogany (leg), further depleting the team's depth. Without Ragnow, Detroit must get more creative in figuring out a way to mask its weakness up front if it's to reach the playoffs in a third consecutive season for just the second time in the Super Bowl era. At 7-5, the Lions are a game behind the San Francisco 49ers (8-4) for the NFC's final wild-card spot. On Thursday, they host the Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) in a potential elimination game for the loser. Ragnow's return would have provided a huge boost at the perfect time, fortifying Detroit in the interior of the line of scrimmage. It was the perfect solution to a growing problem. But as has often been the case this season, when it comes to the Lions, it's never that easy.
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