Knicks’ RJ Barrett expected to be ready for offseason workouts

With the worst-scenario situation averted, the Knicks expected RJ Barrett to be complete throttle in about a thirty day period for offseason workout routines. 

Further more checks on Barrett confirmed the preliminary diagnosis of a knee sprain as correct after he landed poorly on a push-and-dish to Jericho Sims late in the first 50 % Friday in Washington. 

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau couldn’t rule out further more destruction to the ACL on Friday night time, but all those considerations have due to the fact been put to relaxation. 

“Just a sprain,’’ Thibodeau explained right before Sunday’s 105-94 year-closing win over the Raptors. “So that’s the great news in a way.’’ 

Very great information. The Knicks aren’t in the postseason, so he only missed Sunday’s contest. The crew will lay low for a very little little bit ahead of Thibodeau expects Barrett to be completely ready. 

“We’re likely into energetic relaxation, so there’s going to be a 3-week interval exactly where there’ll be some activity but extremely mild,’’ Thibodeau explained. “Everyone is in recovery for the upcoming 3 weeks. Then we’ll choose up just after that.” 

Thibodeau claimed he expects Barrett to be back again all-around then. It’s a sigh of aid as Barrett was coming off a breakout time in which he averaged 20 details and showed All-Star prospective. 

“I’m often worried,’’ Thibodeau stated of his emotions that night. “You in no way want to see that uncomfortable variety of landing. But then he played. That portion was encouraging. The future working day there was soreness, but he said he felt Alright. That was a fantastic signal.” 

Barrett, devoid of crutches, viewed Sunday’s recreation from the bench. 

“I really don’t know the correct specifics,’’ Thibodeau mentioned on irrespective of whether Barrett underwent his MRI test nevertheless. “He was examined by the medical professionals and trainers. What I acquired is, it is a sprain. We’ll just observe the protocol from the trainers and medical professionals and then when he’s completely ready to go, he’ll go. 

“One factor about RJ, whatever it is he can do, he’ll do. He’ll be in rehab, then he’ll be in the pool, then on a bicycle. RJ is a employee. He’ll do all he can.’’ 

While Barrett averaged 20. factors, it could be considered as deceiving mainly because of his small taking pictures percentages — 40.8 general, 34.3 from 3 and a modest productive discipline-target percentage of 46.6. But the No. 3-all round decide on of the 2019 draft confirmed a relentless attacking of the basket that was eye-opening. 

Barrett, 21, will be in competition for a significant rookie contract extension in Oct — even if not the full optimum of $181 million. 

“I thought RJ took a good action this 12 months, took far more responsibility covering the very best player on the other workforce and seriously has elevated his game,” Knicks president Leon Rose reported on MSG Community on Sunday concerning a agreement extension. “I can’t really put a ceiling on wherever he’ll go. As much as the approach and negotiations, I think we’ll retain that personal for now.’’ 

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With the Knicks down to eight bodies, Thibodeau stated he’d give participating in time minutes Sunday to new two-way signee, Feron Hunt, who began the period with the G-League Texas Legends. He performed 7 minutes, missing a pair of shots from the industry. 

Hunt, a defense-initial small forward/electric power ahead, has presently impressed Thibodeau with his work ethic. 

“High strength, played two positions, fantastic defender,’’ Thibodeau explained. “His taking pictures is bettering. Just a several-exertion person, just a extended wing. Leading-of-the-line male. I assume he provides to the staff so we’re enthusiastic about getting him.’’ 

Thibodeau feels he can also guard taking pictures guards. 

“I’ve been amazed with just the way he works,’’ Thibodeau explained. “We’re thrilled. He’ll be right here all summer season so we’re fired up about that.’’