The Golden State Warriors will have rookie forward Jordan Bell back from injury tonight against the New York Knicks, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. The University of Oregon product won't take part in the starting lineup, but will get significant minutes, giving head coach Steve Kerr a chance to save some mileage on his veterans' legs.
Bell has missed the last 14 games, after injuring himself in the opening play against the Chicago Bulls in a Jan. 17 win over the team that had slotted the rights to draft him. The 6-foot-9 big man collided with center Robin Lopez and landed awkwardly, causing the injury and leaving with the help of teammates and the coaching staff.
Upon his return, the Warriors are expected to get a jolt of energy, as they did with the insertion of the more athletic JaVale McGee as the starting center for veteran Zaza Pachulia.
Article Continues BelowBell is only averaging 5.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in limited minutes with this championship team, but his upside has been abundant when given ample playing time, scoring on 66.4 percent of his attempts and proving himself as an able rebounder, cutter, and finisher around the basket.
Kerr still has his concerns with him defensively, but has noted in the past that is something that will come to him with practice and experience.
Now with 22 games left in the schedule, there is no better time to get the young rookie some practice if he is to take part in the postseason run.