New York Knicks' forward OG Anunoby will be sidelined for at least three weeks as he recovers from right elbow surgery. The procedure involved the removal of a loose bone fragment, which was causing inflammation and discomfort. The Knicks announced the news on Thursday, but did not disclose the exact date of the surgery.
Anunoby had been dealing with right elbow inflammation for the past few weeks, but the team later diagnosed it as bone spur inflammation. Initially, the Knicks attempted a conservative approach with rest, hoping it would alleviate the issue. However, it became apparent that surgery was the best course of action.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau expressed optimism that Anunoby's recovery would extend through the All-Star break, which begins on February 16. The team plans to evaluate his progress after the three-week mark.
The loss of Anunoby adds to the Knicks' injury woes, as their entire starting frontcourt is currently sidelined. All-Star forward Julius Randle is nursing a separated shoulder, while center Mitchell Robinson is recovering from ankle surgery. Robinson is expected to resume on-court activities after the All-Star break.
Anunoby's arrival from the Toronto Raptors brought a surge of success to the Knicks, who enjoyed a remarkable 14-2 record in January following his debut in the starting lineup on New Year's Day. Thibodeau was uncertain whether Anunoby was already dealing with the injury when he joined the team.
In Thibodeau's words, 'It's hard to say when it exactly happened because it was inflammation first. These things are not uncommon. When you play in 50 games, most players are nicked up with something this time of year.' Regardless, Anunoby's impact on the floor has been significant, averaging 15.6 points in 14 games since the trade that sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors.
The Knicks will undoubtedly miss Anunoby's contributions, but they remain hopeful for his swift recovery. In the meantime, they will rely on the depth of their roster to fill the void left by their injured frontcourt.
The team will eagerly await Anunoby's evaluation in three weeks to determine the next steps in his rehabilitation process. Their focus is on ensuring his long-term health and a smooth return to the court.
