Derrick Rose may miss the Knicks’ four-game trip, which starts the post-All-Star break schedule, because of undisclosed issues from COVID-19.
Rose, who missed the last two games after a test was inconclusive in San Antonio on March 2, was not with the team in Milwaukee for Wednesday’s practice. He was dropped for Thursday’s game against the Bucks.
The Knicks do not say whether Rose tested positive after the inconclusive test, but Thursday will be Day 9 since the San Antonio test. The Knicks have announced that he wants security protocols.
According to a source, the league requires a player to be out for 10 days, then two more days for practice.
“To be honest, I can’t answer that because I don’t know, ” said Thibodeau when asked if he will return to the club during the trip. “I’m following what Dr. [Lisa] Callahan and what the league says. Once authorized, it will be available. When we are updated, we will update you. You have seen throughout the league how this has been handled. We know you are serious with COVID and we want to take all the safety precautions we can. ”
The league announced on Wednesday that two unidentified players had tested positive since March 3. Rose was due to take a new test on March 3 and needed a negative test to be released for the March 4 game against the Pistons.
Elfrid Payton will continue to be the starting point guard, but Rose’s absence means that Frank Ntilikina will continue in the rotation.
“I like the depth,” said Thibodeau.
The Mitchell Robinson center (broken hand) was reevaluated, but Thibodeau did not appear to be ready to return anytime soon.
“There is still no set timetable,” said Thibodeau. “He’s starting to do more. We are probably a little distant. But conditioning, he has been very diligent in putting in extra work. So his conditioning is very good. The basketball part, he was not able to play or anything like that. But he is holding the ball with his left hand and running a lot. We just have to be patient and let it go. ”
Support center Taj Gibson was upgraded to questionable to play on Thursday and resumed serving portions.
Immanuel Quickley did not make the Rising Stars honorary list because of the format that fills a World Team with international players.
“At the end of the year or my career, whatever happens, everything will be fine and I will get what I deserve in the end,” said Quickley. “I definitely feel like I could have been selected. Use it only as a motivating factor. ”
Austin Rivers did not join the team in Milwaukee because of the birth of his son.
Quickley thought that the other rookie, runner-up Obi Toppin, should have won the Dunk contest.
“Obi was definitely scorned,” said Quickley. “He did some crazy things. He should have won. ”