Tom Thibodeau shuts down Knicks-Immanuel Quickley injury theory
The New York Knicks wrapped up the preseason with a loss to the Wizards on Wednesday, finishing 1-3. Tom Thibodeau said the Knicks are “fooling” themselves after the “disappointing” effort, but the good news is that the games won’t count against the team’s record.
New York was without five key players in the loss to Boston on Tuesday, including Immanuel Quickley. The guard was also out last night, and Thibodeau said he was “nicked up.”
Immanuel Quickley is “nicked up a little bit” and out tonight against the Wizards, says Thibs. #Knicks
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) October 18, 2023
The deadline for Quickley to sign an extension is four short days away, and when Thibodeau was asked if the looming deadline had anything to do with the guard being out, the head coach quickly denied that idea.
"“No, no. The thing about Quick, I would never question that,” Thibodeau said. “If Quick can go, he’s going. So come in and get treatment, which he’ll do two or three times a day. And get ready.”"
Tom Thibodeau denies idea that Immanuel Quickley sat because of contract deadline
New York Post’s Stefan Bondy noted that Tom Thibodeau didn’t elaborate on the minor injury that Immanuel Quickley is dealing with. When Quickley was asked at Media Day if he’d consider sitting out regarding contract negotiations, he shut that idea down. He added that his focus isn’t on an extension because he’s letting his agent handle that.
When Quickley was asked about the extension again on Oct. 13, he reiterated he wasn’t worried about it and that he’s working on continuing to improve.
In the two preseason games the guard played in, he averaged 15 points and two assists. Quickley was the Knicks’ hero in their lone exhibition win on Oct. 9, scoring a game-high 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting.
On Wednesday night, SNY’s Ian Begley said he’s been told the two sides have “been in touch” and that he’d be surprised if a deal doesn’t get worked out before the deadline.
Spoke with @mmargaux8 about what has surprised/disappointed Tom Thibodeau during the preseason, the week ahead & more here: pic.twitter.com/35MecKJGui
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 19, 2023
The Immanuel Quickley extension clock is ticking, and fans are panicking. Will a new deal come in as the buzzer sounds?