Friday, October 7
The injury that’s been plaguing Joakim Noah and the rape trial that’s taken over Derrick Rose have already been disruptive to the New York Knicks.
Both of those guys were brought on to help the Knicks return to playoff form, but coach Jeff Hornacek and the team are labeling both former All-Stars as questionable for Saturday’s contest against the Brooklyn Nets.
Ian Begley of ESPN first reported that Hornacek is “unsure” of Rose’s availability Saturday, and followed it up by saying Noah is “day-to-day” with the hamstring injury that’s been bothering him.
Rose looked impressive in New York’s preseason opener against Houston despite getting smacked 130-103. The former MVP played 25 minutes and tallied 16 points on 7/14 shooting and five assists while committing just two turnovers. Noah didn’t play in that game, and also sat out Thursday’s practice.
The uncertainty of Noah’s injury is crippling to the Knicks, who brought him on to anchor the defense and be an emotional leader. While Rose is still productive despite severe regression, the juggling of his court case and his playing career will eventually wear him down mentally, and no one knows how long it’ll persist.
Losing both guys for an extended period of time could be disastrous for New York, whose playoff hopes ride on the health of their three best players. Carmelo Anthony isn’t getting any younger, and Kristaps Porzingis can only do so much on his own.
Fortunately, it’s just a preseason game, and there are still two-and-a-half weeks until the NBA season kicks off formally.
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