Andrea Bargnani (calf, hamstring) went through a full shooting workout before Thursday’s game vs. Chicago, and Derek Fisher said he’s getting close to practicing. Bargnani has not yet played a single game this season but has high hopes to make his season debut soon said his good friend and teammate Jose Calderon.
“He’s working hard, doing stuff every day,’’ Calderon said. “It’s tough. I’m a friend. I asked him, ‘When are you going to play?’ He said ‘Soon.’ He wants to go out and play basketball. It’s almost been a year. Talking about basketball with him, he says everything snowballed. When things go bad they go bad. It’s been bad for him.” It’s about getting healthy and mentally healthy.’’
Barkley had something to say about Bargnani’s possible return as a way to help Knicks: “The last thing I need when I’m having a heart attack is a band aid.”
The New York Knicks will need Bargnani as they look to turn things around after a horrible start to the season with a 5-23 record. The Knicks go head-to-head with the Phoenix Suns for the first time this season, looking to snap a three game losing skid. The Knicks will be without J.R. Smith who will miss his fifth consecutive game with a left foot injury. Cleanthony Early (knee) and Iman Shumpert (shoulder) will also be out. Carmelo Anthony was listed as questionable but will now play despite a nagging knee injury.
