The Knicks preseason star is already injured. The first night, two former lottery selections in the same position developed chips. And his traveler entry was not impressive.
The guard remains arguably Knicks ’No. 1 pick.
Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky’s first-round pick, who has already become a fan favorite after his strong performance in the last two exhibition games, suffered a hip puncture in the season’s defeat against the Pacers Wednesday night and figure at -today. On Thursday he was kept out of a light workout after he woke up when he felt tension in his hip.
“Hopefully, it won’t take long,” coach Tom Thibodeau said after Thursday’s practice.
Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr., 2017 lottery picks (Smith was picked by the Mavericks) still trying to establish themselves, didn’t do enough to impress Thibodeau during the preseason to justify being part of their ten-man rotation . Even without Quickley in the second half on Wednesday, Thibodeau opted to use Alec Burks at the point above Ntilikina and Smith, none of whom got their rookie contract extension before Monday’s deadline.
“Everything is based on performance,” said Thibodeau, who finally headed to Ntilikina in the final minutes of Wednesday night. “It simply came to our notice then. But I never rule anyone out, as long as they keep working and when the opportunity comes, be prepared. ”
Next up is Elfrid Payton, the veteran who nodded to Quickley in starting lineup and was a minus-15 against Indiana, who committed more rotations (five) than he had assists (three) or scored. field (three).
It is unknown if Quickley will be able to play on Saturday in the first game against the 76ers in the garden without fans. Before getting hurt, Quickley scored five points and had an assist and a steal, continuing his quality play. Thursday was just a tour and the Knicks go from Friday, so he will take the time to get treatment. Quickley suffered the injury in the second quarter after Pacers striker Myles Turner took control of it.
“At first I felt good, then I tried to run and it didn’t feel right,” Quickley said. “We hope it improves.”
If he can’t go, Ntilikina or Smith could have a chance, unless Thibodeau opts for Burks again, who can play on or off the ball.
Burks had a strong debut, scoring 22 points on a 6-of-12 shot, adding three assists and only one turnover in 32 minutes. But it can be argued that the Knicks would be better off using him as a starter on the defensive shot or making sure he was focused on scoring rather than running the offense.
At least Nitilikina got a shot, playing five minutes into the fourth quarter in which he missed both shooting attempts and was a minus-5. Smith did not leave the bench.
“We will need everyone throughout the season. We’re seeing it now, ”Thibodeau said.“ It’s something we’ve been talking about since day one, whether it’s injuries, illness or anything you might have. And so, decide on a rotation and then there will be opportunities to as we move forward “.