Dejected New York Knicks fans should temporarily lift their heads up to read the latest bit of injury news regarding their two-way wing, whose presence becomes significantly more important with Julius Randle now officially done for the season.
“Tom Thibodeau said Knicks are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about OG Anunoby’s progress,” SNY's Ian Begley reported on Thursday. “He has been cleared for contact and Thibodeau said he’s doing well in rehab from elbow ailment.”
Aside from a brief return in mid-March, Anunoby has been sidelined for almost nine weeks straight. This update does not guarantee that he can make it back before the postseason begins, but it is the first piece of positive-leaning news the Knicks have experienced since their blowout victory over the Toronto Raptors last Wednesday.
If Anunoby stays on an upward trajectory, he could be the ray of hope this depleted squad badly needs for the playoff push. It was not too long ago that New York seemed destined to grab a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Now, the team has fallen down to fifth and is just two games clear of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The tenacity that has defined this group during most of their adversity must shine through in the final seven games of the regular season. Otherwise, the Knicks' chances of achieving playoff success in 2024 are going to be slim. A fully healthy, or at least active Anunoby can be a major boost not only on the court, but also in the locker room.
Can Knicks bounce back from slump, Julius Randle update?
New York's postseason ceiling always appeared to be intertwined with the long-term health of three-time All-Star Julius Randle and midseason trade acquisition OG Anunoby. Thibodeau's guys stayed afloat for a while, but the lack of offensive firepower, and just depth in general, looks to finally be catching up to them.
The Knickerbockers (44-31) are currently on a three-game losing streak and are desperate to grab a home victory versus the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. After tonight, they only have two games left to play in Madison Square Garden before the 2024 NBA Playoffs commence (unless they slide into the Play-In).
Anunoby ignited a fire when he arrived in the Big Apple, helping a solid squad morph into a contending one. His potential return is the Knicks' best opportunity to reclaim their January mojo (won nine games in a row from Jan. 17-Feb. 1).
The 26-year-old is scoring 14.5 points on 49.7 percent shooting to go with 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in 17 games for New York. Though, the stat that has fans anxiously awaiting his recovery is a +297 plus-minus. This team is dangerous when Anunoby is operating at full capacity.
It's gut-check time for the Knicks
But at this point of the year, one has to accept reality. OG Anunoby might not play at 100 percent, or at all for that matter. In that worst case scenario, the Knicks will have to look elsewhere for a jolt of life.
Jalen Brunson is headed towards his first All-NBA selection, while fellow Villanova alums Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart provide stalwart contributions. Miles McBride has been a pleasant surprise as well. Thibodeau needs more from the collective, though.
This franchise can still salvage the 2023-24 campaign by exemplifying the fight that brought the Knicks back in the first place.
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