Tim Hardaway Jr. returned to practice on Tuesday and while he will likely sit out Wednesday’s against the Bulls, his 20th consecutive missed game, his return is close, Greg Joyce of the New York Post writes. Head coach Jeff Hornacek did not commit to a specific return date for Hardaway but both sides are optimistic it will be soon.
“I think I’m coming back when I’m confident. Right now, we’re close,” Hardaway said. “But it doesn’t matter what I think, it matters what the doctors say and what my training staff and people want me to do after I get the news.”
The Knicks have missed Hardaway’s scoring since he went on the shelf with a stress injury in his left leg. In 21 games before the injury, Hardaway averaged 17.8 PPG and 4.2 RPG.
Check out other Atlantic Division news below:
- The Knicks are reportedly considering signing Trey Burke to their roster from the G League but Hornacek does not see a clear roster spot for the point guard, Joyce writes in a separate story. Burke has played well for the Westchester Knicks, averaging 26.6 points and 5.3 assists. The roster is currently at 15 players and if Burke is added, it’s expected that Ramon Sessions is released, Joyce notes.
- Sixers rookie Markelle Fultz played in a five-on-five practice last Sunday and while he was limited, he looked good, Sarah Todd of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. Fultz’s return is “accelerating” but his first NBA season has been disappointing. Jason Concepcion of The Ringer examined Fultz’s mysterious injury and absence.
- Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry was diagnosed with a bruised tailbone and back spasms, according to the Raptors (via Twitter). X-rays on Lowry were negative and he will be evaluated daily. Lowry suffered the injury on Monday against the Nets in Brooklyn after taking a hard fall.
Knicks should lop sessions for Burke. Burke is way better than he has played.
I did not realize that Sessions had played 13 games this year, which shows how inconsequential he’s been for the Knicks. Doubt anyone would have interest in him for a heavily protected 2nd, and if not, I agree that the Knicks release him and sign Burke.