New York Knicks shooting guard Reggie Bullock has been sidelined since July, when he underwent spinal surgery after renegotiating his initial contract agreement with the club. The former 25th overall pick hasn't played this season, but he was cleared to return to practice earlier this month.
As part of a recent interview with The Athletic, Bullock explained that he wasn't hurt in an actual game setting. He says he actually woke up with the injury.
Via Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic:
“I didn’t get hurt in an actual game or anything,” Bullock told The Athletic. “It was just something that I woke up with.”
It was discovered, he says, when he was reviewed by his own doctor in the offseason and the injury was worse than it originally seemed. It became a larger issue when it came up during his physical with the Knicks.
“It was pretty much like a checkup about my neck,” Bullock explained. “I got reviews back pretty much telling me ‘See what it does taking some time off.’ But going back and actually seeing it, it was a lot worse than it was. But it’s a problem that’s behind me, something I really don’t like talking about anymore. I’m just focused on that I’m healthy now and I’m back with the team.”
Bullock has worked hard toward recovery and is nearing a return. There are some reports indicating that he could be available for the Knicks' game against the Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 1, but nothing has been confirmed at this point.
Bullock is ready to play whenever New York clears him:
“If the team and organization thinks it’s the best thing for me,” Bullock said, via Marc Berman of the New York Post. “2020 is going to be great year for me. 2019 wasn’t the best. 2020 will be a great year for me. If I suit up for the game, I’ll be ready for it. I’m focused on 2020 for sure.”
Bullock signed with the Knicks as a free agent on July 1, but he later learned from the team's medical staff that he needed spinal fusion surgery. While in recovery, he served as a sort of player-coach:
“Being around in the league for a while, knowing how winning teams do things, I was helping the young guys and being a voice when I was on the sidelines,’’ Bullock said. “Everyone on the team knows what I bring to the table. It’s getting closer.”
Wednesday night's Knicks-Blazers game is set to tip inside MSG at 7:30 p.m. ET, with NBA TV having live broadcast coverage.
Exactly when Reggie Bullock will be cleared to make his debut remains to be seen, but there is no doubt he's itching for that moment.
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