Hoops Habit
Fansided

New York Knicks: 2018-19 NBA season preview

By Kenneth Teape

TARRYTOWN, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks talk during the New York Knicks Media Day on September 24, 2018 at the MSG Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Kristaps Porzingis #6 and Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks talk during the New York Knicks Media Day on September 24, 2018 at the MSG Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
New York Knicks
Photo by Gregor Fischer/picture alliance via Getty Images /

Storyline 1: Kristaps Porzingis‘ return

The storyline that Knicks fans will follow most closely during the season is the rehab of Kristaps Porzingis. The Unicorn tore his ACL in February, and at this time, there is no concrete timetable for his return.

New York has no incentive to rush Porzingis back. Standing 7’3”, there aren’t many cases for the team to go off of as a guide, so they will take things slowly. As the franchise cornerstone, a setback would be devastating. Porzingis’ trainer said that he would be ready for opening night, but the organization would never allow that to happen.

Owner James Dolan would not commit to Porzingis returning at all this season. Given the current state of their rebuild, patience is key. A championship parade in New York City was not going to happen this season even if Porzingis were healthy.

Despite that, fans want to see him on the court. Christmas Day against the Milwaukee Bucks has also been tossed out as a potential return date. Until Porzingis returns to action, you can be sure his health is something fans will be keeping an eye on.

Home/New York Knicks