As the New York Knicks trudge along in what is another campaign in their arduous rebuilding process, they were also recently dealt a blow on the injury front.
Forward Lance Thomas underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, an operation that often isn’t friendly to a player’s long-term outlook. According to the Knicks, Thomas underwent the surgery on Thursday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Lance Thomas underwent arthroscopic surgery of his left knee for removal of loose bodies. The surgery was performed at Hospital for Special Surgery by team orthopedist Dr. Answorth Allen on November 8.
Lance will begin rehab immediately and be re-evaluated in four weeks.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) November 9, 2018
Though Lance Thomas isn’t a focal point of this Knicks’ roster by any means, he’s developed into a savvy and reliable veteran on a team loaded with younger assets.
Still only 30 years old, Thomas should certainly be able to bounce back from this tricky knee issue. Despite not putting up big numbers by any stretch of the imagination, Thomas had started in five of his first 11 appearances this season, meaning new head coach David Fizdale had at least wanted to get him involved in some capacity.
Already without franchise cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis due to a torn ACL dating back to last season, the absence of Thomas won’t help their already thin frontcourt depth.
However, if there is some silver lining to Thomas’ injury, it’s that it opens up an opportunity to see what young big man Noah Vonleh can do with consistent minutes. Vonleh has earned two straight games with over 35 minutes of playing time, recording a double-double in both outings. Along with Vonleh, Damyean Dotson and rookie Kevin Knox could also see an uptick in minutes.
