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[h1]Knicks' Azubuike isn't close to return[/h1]
Knicks Blog
Berman on Twitter
By MARC BERMAN
Last Updated: 9:54 AM, December 9, 2010
Posted: 3:05 AM, December 9, 2010
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knic...jXqpY63I?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=#comments_block
Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni gave his most damning assessment of Kelenna Azubuike's status last night, as the team's worst fears are being realized that he might not be ready this season or ever play a game for the team.
"He's not ready, physically," D'Antoni said of Azubuike, who is recovering from left knee surgery. "If you watch the scrimmages, he doesn't have the pop and it's going to be a while before he gets it back. He can [play in] scrimmages, but he's not strong enough or able to go sideways or able to have an NBA physical talent level. It's just not there yet."
Azubuike has been back scrimmaging for three weeks but his game is not back. According to D'Antoni, he no longer has the explosiveness that made him so dangerous as a Golden State shooting guard. There were organizational whispers before training camp Azubuike might never get back to where he once was following one of the worst knee operations for an NBA player, patella tendon surgery. Azubuike went under the knife one year and three weeks ago.Azubuike's contract expires after the season, and if he doesn't show progress, the Knicks could open up a roster spot by releasing him after February's trade deadline. Azubuike is making $3.4 million this season.
When asked if Azubuike's now healthy, D'Antoni said, "I'm healthy, but I don't have any pop. He's just not ready. He's got to keep working on his strength. Hopefully he gets there sooner than later."
The emergence of rookie Landry Fields as the starting shooting guard and flourishing of Shawne Williams has lessened the importance of Azubuike.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knic...o_return_qMBVD6UapIr1FfjXqpY63I#ixzz17gEQD6jC
Damn. I kind of feel a little bad for Azubuike. Guy worked really hard and looked to have a long career ahead of him.
Originally Posted by acidicality
I hope Lin doesn't play.
Originally Posted by thapointguy
This game on ESPN. It's gonna be bad enough we're playing the Heat but in front of nation tv. On the upside if we win this it can be a confidence booster.
Originally Posted by daprescription
Originally Posted by acidicality
I hope Lin doesn't play.
uhhhh, Bill Simmons is calling the game. He hates Lebron.Originally Posted by acidicality
ESPN gonna be slurping the Heat all game long
I really think our frontcourt is decent, a LOT better than it has been in previous years. Part of it is because Don Nelson isn't our coach anymore, though. Hopefully Udoh can bring something to the table and not be like that bum Lin
had no idea...interestingOriginally Posted by Andrew630
uhhhh, Bill Simmons is calling the game. He hates Lebron.Originally Posted by acidicality
ESPN gonna be slurping the Heat all game long
I really think our frontcourt is decent, a LOT better than it has been in previous years. Part of it is because Don Nelson isn't our coach anymore, though. Hopefully Udoh can bring something to the table and not be like that bum Lin
thanks broOriginally Posted by Andrew630
All jokes aside, that tattoo is pretty sick GSDoubleU.