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New York Knicks Rumors: Kristaps Porzingis Done For The Season?

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) blocks a dunk attempt by New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee (15) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) blocks a dunk attempt by New Orleans Pelicans forward Alonzo Gee (15) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks Rumors: Could Kristaps Porzingis miss the remainder of the season because of his right shoulder strain?

New York Knicks rumors have picked up again about the possibility of some players being shut down because of injuries and the season being lost already. One of those players is rookie phenom Kristaps Porzingis. Is he going to miss the remainder of his rookie campaign?

Porzingis suffered a strain in his right shoulder last week against the New Orleans Pelicans when he blocked a dunk attempt by Pelicans’ forward Alonzo Gee.

It was an outstanding play by Porzingis, who has shown a knack for protecting the rim this season. Unfortunately, the highlight block has come with some negative, as he was injured on the play. Porzingis would actually finish out the game, returning to play a full second half as he was on the court for 35 minutes. He also recorded a double-double in the process, scoring 16 points with 10 rebounds.

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But, after an MRI revealed the strain, Porzingis has been sitting out since. He missed the next three games for the Knicks, against the Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers, and looks to be in danger of missing tomorrow tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets; he did not practice today so his status is doubtful at best.

He is more than likely to miss the game also because he said it himself that he will not return to the court until he is 100 percent healthy. He is hoping that is sometime in the last four games of this season, but it is not something that he is going to push.

"“Yes, I hope so,’’ Porzingis said before the Knicks’ 92-87 loss in reference to him returning this season. “I really want to come back and play the last few games. It’s nothing we need to rush. I’ll make sure I’m 100 percent, then I’ll be back.’’“I’m young, and I always want to be on the floor,’’ Porzingis said. “At the same time, I want to be smart about this. Nothing really to gain the last few games but I think I’ll be back for the last two, three games hopefully. But it’s not my decision at the end of the day.’’"

The Knicks will not do anything to risk their franchise player, so there is a chance that we will not see Porzingis back on the court this season despite his willingness to get back to playing. According to the New York Post, Porzingis has yet to begin shooting or lifting weights again since the injury, just doing a lot of icing and exercising to bring some strength back to the shoulder.

"“I’m feeling every day a little better, getting better with the treatment. For myself I’d be happy to come back today or next game but I have to take it easy, listen to the doctors. They’re the ones making the decision. I’m not trying to push it or force it and come back early. Whenever I’m healthy, I’ll be back.” – Kristaps Porzingis"

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With no playoffs for the Knicks this season, they will be extremely cautious with bringing him back to the court. With only four games remaining, there is not much incentive to bring him back. But, for the fans that have endured yet another poor season, it would be nice to see Porzingis on the court for the final home game of the season this weekend against the Toronto Raptors.

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