New York Knicks: Five New Year’s resolutions for 2019
1. Continue to pace Kristaps Porzingis’ recovery
When the new year arrives, the New York Knicks will near 11 months without Porzingis on the court. He suffered a torn left ACL in a Feb. 6 game against the Milwaukee Bucks, altering the franchise for the rest of 2017-18 and well into 2018-19.
Without Porzingis, the Knicks own the NBA’s second-worst record. If he returns after the team’s mid-February re-evaluation, it’s possible they will remain in this spot — potentially lower.
The Knicks, as with the youth, have stayed patient with Porzingis’ recovery. He’s gradually moving forward, but when that re-evaluation arises, it will pass one year of basketball without the face of the franchise.
Even so, the Knicks still must remain patient.
If the training staff deems Porzingis healthy to play, maybe he returns and shakes off one year’s worth of rust. With a bottom-of-the-pack record, however, is that worth the risk of reaggravation?
Playing for now makes sense when the Knicks have performed poorly through almost half a season, but how much would the Latvian forward’s minutes matter towards a postseason-less season? That’s not worth the wear and tear, but up to the organization to decide.
Next. 25 greatest players in NYK history. dark
Patience should remain the focus with Porzingis’ recovery. Whether he receives the benefit of the doubt will be a question entering 2019.