The specific time when something will happen is not known for New York Knicks starters Julius Randle and OG Anunoby‘s return but SNY’s Ian Begley gave a positive news.
Begley wrote on Tuesday, March 19 that they will take a careful approach to Anunoby’s current health issue, and his elbow irritation has improved since Monday.
Anunoby went back to New York because of inflammation in his elbow during the Knicks’ trip on the West Coast.
Before defeating the Warriors on Monday, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau informed reporters that Anunoby’s MRI results were good.
Thibodeau shared with reporters that they want to ensure Anunoby’s complete recovery. The Athleticreported Thibodeau's statement.
On the other hand, Randle has not progressed to full-contact drills yet, but there is hope that he will return for the Knicks' push for the playoffs.
According to Begley, three people confident in the situation believe that Randle will come back to the court. He has been out of action since late January due to a shoulder problem.
Randle has not played since dislocating his right shoulder on January 27 against the Miami Heat.
OG Anunoby Poised to Become Knicks’ Highest-Paid Player
Despite Anunoby’s injury, he has proven to be a key player for the Knicks when he is not injured. The team has a 15-2 record with Anunoby playing and a 9-10 record when he is absent.
Because of this, Anunoby may become the highest-paid player for the Knicks next season.
“He will seek a big contract there,” an Eastern Conference GM told Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney. “Why not? They cannot afford to lose him. Not a maximum deal, but I believe he will aim for around $40 million each year, like a four-year, $160 million contract.”
If Anunoby gets a new contract, Randle will be the Knicks’ highest-paid player next season with $27.5 million, followed by Brunson with $24.9 million, per Spotrac.
The Knicks cannot afford to let Anunoby go in free agency after they traded last season’s 6th Man of the Year runner-up Immanuel Quickley and former no. 3 pick RJ Barrett and a second-round pick for Anunoby.
Mitchell Robinson Set to Return
Starting center Mitchell Robinson is expected to return by the end of the month, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“The Knicks had an impressive victory [Monday] night,” Windhorst said on the “NBA Today” on March 19 on ESPN. “They continue to be rough and tough. Mitchell Robinson should be back by the end of the month. We are still waiting for Julius Randle but they’re only going to get better as they recover and look at their current position. They are in fourth place with a chance at the second spot.”
Robinson has been absent since December 8 last year due to an ankle injury.
