The Knicks preseason star is already injured. Two previous lottery choices in the same position developed shrapnel on the first night. And his journey starter was expressionless.
The owner remains arguably Knicks’ No. 1 problem.
Kentucky’s first-round pick, Immanuel Quickley, who was already becoming a fan favorite after his strong performance in the last two exhibition games, suffered a blow in the loss to the Pacers at the opening of the season on Wednesday night and it is listed as day today. He was prevented from doing a light workout on Thursday after he felt a tightening of his hips when he woke up.
“I hope it doesn’t take too long,” said coach Tom Thibodeau after Thursday’s training.
Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr., 2017 lottery sweepstakes (Smith was chosen by the Mavericks) who are still trying to establish themselves, did not do enough to impress Thibodeau during the preseason to ensure he was part of his 10-man rotation. Even without Quickley in the second half of Wednesday, Thibodeau chose to use Alec Burks in place of Ntilikina and Smith, neither of whom managed to extend the rookie contract on Monday.
“It’s all about performance,” said Thibodeau, who ended up turning to Ntilikina in the final minutes of Wednesday night. “You have to make difficult decisions, and we do. But I never rule out anyone, as long as they keep working and when the opportunity comes, be ready. “
Then there is Elfrid Payton, the veteran who beat Quickley in the starting lineup and made 15 less against Indiana, making more turns (five) than assists (three) or field goals (three).
It is not known whether Quickley will be able to play his first home game against the 76ers on Saturday, in the garden without fans. Before getting hurt, Quickley scored five points and had an assist and a theft, continuing his quality game. Thursday was just a demonstration and the Knicks are off on Friday, so he will use the time to get treatment. Quickley suffered an injury in the second quarter after being examined by Pacers striker Myles Turner.
“At first I felt good, then I tried to run and it didn’t feel right,” said Quickley. “I hope that you get better.”
If he can’t go, Ntilikina or Smith may have a chance, unless Thibodeau opts for Burks again, who can play with or out of the ball.
Burks had a strong debut, scoring 22 points out of 6 out of 12 shots, adding three assists and only one turn in 32 minutes. But the point can be made: the Knicks are better off using him as a kick guard initiator or making sure he is focused on scoring rather than executing the attack.
At least Nitilikina got a chance, playing five minutes from the fourth quarter, in which he missed both attempts and made a -5. Smith did not leave the bank.
“We will need everyone throughout the season. We are seeing this now, ”said Thibodeau. “It’s something we talked about from day one, whether it’s injury, illness or whatever you have. And so you establish a rotation and then there will be opportunities as we go. “