The Knicks will have to learn to live without Tim Hardaway Jr who will be out an extended period with a stress injury to his left leg. New York announced the injury on Tuesday and said the guard would be re-evaluated in two-three weeks. The team did not specify on a return date, which could mean the process of recovery won’t be a short one.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (stress injury lower left leg) has begun a treatment and rehabilitation plan. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 5, 2017
Hardaway Jr. has played well for the Knicks, providing consistent scoring alongside star Kristaps Porzingis. Because of his performance, New York finally resembles a team that can compete on any given night. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, it’s hard to predict precisely how long Hardaway Jr. will be away from the court.
Following from the New York Post,
A leading expert on basketball leg injuries, Dr. William Hsu of Northwestern, told The Post a stress reaction to those inflamed bones can put a player out two to six weeks. A stress fracture is more of a two-month process, but surgery is not required.
A stress reaction can turn into a stress fracture if it’s not rested. A stress fracture can turn into a complete fracture if played on.
Head coach Jeff Hornacek realizes how much THJ adds to the Knicks’ lineup, and knows how difficult it will be to replicate his production.
“Obviously Tim has taken that leadership role but Tim’s right up there also on the court. The two-man game we run with him and KP has been pretty good late in games. He’s got the ability to be outside and can also drive the ball. That 3-point threat makes guys get up on him and allows him to drive. He can get off a shot off anytime he wants. Not a lot of our guys can. A few can. Guys that can create their own stuff is important. Tim’s played great for us so far. It’s a tough loss so far.’’
