Curtsy front/center Precious Achiuwa has not yet made his debut for the 2024/25 season as he continues to recover from a hamstring strain. He told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post that he has fully participated in training and is training every day, but he is not sure when he will be able to return.
“I need to get to the point where I can build my confidence againsaid Achiuwa. “I am an explosive player. In order for me to explode, I have to build that confidence. … Once I get to the point where I feel like I'm optimal to play, I'll be out there playing.”
Achiuwa, who will hit free agency again next summer after re-signing with New York on a one-year deal, believes he will give the Knicks a defensive boost upon his return.
“I think one of my greatest gifts is defensive versatility, being able to guard multiple positions from 1-5said Achiuwa. “For me, when I come back, we're probably already the best offense in the league right now. So how can I strengthen the team defensively and make us elite on that side? I think we have the potential to be elite defensively.”
Here are a few more Atlantic Division injury tips:
- networks Head coach Jordi Fernandez said this on Sunday Day'Ron Sharpe is about to make his season debut, Tweets Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “We could see him sometime this weekFernandez said. “Right now he's going through the process of doing contact drills, then seeing how he feels afterward and taking the next step. So that's all I can tell you.” Sharpe, a fourth-year center recovering from a left hamstring strain, will be a restricted free agent in 2025.
- Two networks were injured in Sunday's loss to Orlando, according to Lewis (Twitter Left). Ben Simmons suffered a bruised left knee and was ruled out for the rest of the game after about 12 minutes of play Cameron Johnsonwho was already dealing with a sprained right ankle, injured his left ankle. However, Johnson plans to do everything he can to be fit for Monday's clash in Chicago. “It's the opposite. I'm even now, so I'll be fine“Johnson said.
- Raptors guard Gradey Dick is making progress in healing his left calf injury, head coach Darko Rajakovic said before Sunday's win against Miami (Twitter link via Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca). Dick is out and about on a daily basis and the team hopes he can practice this week. Bruce Brown (knee) and Kelly Olynyk (back) remain in processing programs, with no set deadlines for their return, according to Lewenberg. Both veterans have yet to suit up this season.
