WASHINGTON — Will prized rookie lottery pick Kevin Knox make his return Monday versus the Bulls?
That’s Knox’s hope, but coach David Fizdale said he is still unsure. The Knicks elected not to do a full-scale scrimmage for Saturday’s practice at Georgetown, forcing Knox to participate in a three-on-three contact session.
Fizdale said he prefers Knox do a five-on-five before letting him loose, but hasn’t ruled him out for Monday. Knox had said Saturday he’d be a “game-time decision” versus the Bulls.
“He’s not making any decisions,’’ Fizdale said before Sunday’s 108-95 loss to the Wizards. “My 19-year-old pro right now. We’ll see how it goes. I told you I wanted him to play five-on-five. I know he feels great. At the same time, we have to make sure with that deal.”
According to a source, Knox’s ankle will go through tests Monday before a final decision is rendered. He missed his seventh straight game against the Wizards. The play of rookies Mitchell Robinson and Allonzo Trier has softened the blow of Knox’s injury and the victory over Dallas on Friday may have given Fizdale a chance to be patient.
“I’ve been progressing this whole time, trying to get to this moment,” Knox said Saturday after the scrimmage. “I felt pretty comfortable coming out here and playing, get up and down a little bit..”One scenario is Knox dressing for the Bulls but only being used for garbage time. Conceivably, Knox could go through a five-on-five scrimmage at Monday’s optional shootaround, but coaches would get involved.
Fizdale still won’t put a timetable on Courtney Lee’s return to practice. He hasn’t play a preseason or regular-season game yet with his ongoing neck injury that may have received a cortisone-type shot.
“I have no idea to be honest, I’m hoping soon for his sake,’’ Fizdale said. “He’s been such a pro and been engaged and I know it’s killing him. I can’t tell you when it’s going to happen.”
Fizdale says Lee has received either “treatment or a shot’’ to his neck in an attempt to ease the discomfort he’s felt since the third day of training camp when he incurred a hard foul from Ron Baker.
The mystery part of Lee’s neck injury is compounded by the fact the Knicks have attempted to move his contract for cap space and the veteran told confidants over the summer he would prefer a trade to a contender. However, he’d rather stay put than be shipped to another rebuilding program.
Fizdale claims he can still use Lee’s 3-point shooting.
“It’s one of those injuries, it’s going to heal when it wants to,’’ Fizdale said. “It’s not how much you do but how it comes along. He’s out there coaching. He’s been fantastic. I feel bad I can’t use him right now.”
Fizdale added, “Absolutely he can help. He’s a capable vet who can shoot the ball an defend.’’ Lee is also 33.
Emmanuel Mudiay got his first meaningful action Friday in his hometown of Dallas and now Fizdale may have to juggle three point guards after his strong showing.
Mudiay made his season debut against the Nets last Monday before not playing versus Indiana.
“I’ll have all three in the holster,’’ Fizdale said.