Nerlens Noel
Knicks News: Nerlens Noel could miss time with injury, Rockets offer massive confidence boost
The New York Knicks didn’t miss a beat after spending the last few days resting on a short break. They easily dismantled a bad Houston Rockets team, and like all great teams should do, they dominated the contest.
The Knicks won by a score of 122-96, controlling the game throughout and allowing some of their bench players to earn minutes. Julius Randle once again was unstoppable, posting 31 points and shooting 13-of-22 from the field. RJ Barrett, who played 40 minutes, had 21, with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the victory. Off the bench, Derrick Rose contributed 24 and Immanuel Quickley 13, showcasing their ability to produce consistently and adequate depth.
While this victory was simple and put the Knicks on the right track as they head into a more competitive game with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday evening, there was a bit of bad news against Houston.
Nerlens Noel injury update for the Knicks:
After clashing knees with Christian Wood, Nerlens Noel left the game with a left ankle sprain, which could keep them out for several days. With Noel’s height and lanky frame, returning from an ankle issue can sometimes be strenuous, and it is best to rest up before the postseason commences in a few weeks.
Of course, this wasn’t an ideal situation considering the Knicks are coming off a resting period. Noel is currently on a one-year, $5 million deal with New York, averaging 5.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 23.9 minutes per game. He has been one of the Knicks’ best defenders this year and a player they cannot stand to lose during playoff games.
Hopefully, the ankle injury is a low sprain, which would keep them out for a few weeks rather than months if it was a high sprain. As soon as more information is available, we will provide an update.
In more positive news, the NBA will announce its Coach of the Month for April soon, and after going 11-4, Tom Thibodeau has a solid chance of earning the accolade. It’s about time the Knicks start to gain some recognition for their performance this season.
The Knicks’ veteran big-man has been everything and more in their time of need
When the Knicks signed 27-year-old Nerlens Noel to a one-year, $5 million deal, they didn’t anticipate him becoming such an influential factor. As a former first-round selection with the sixth overall pick in 2013, Noel has bounced around the league from Philadelphia to Dallas to Oklahoma and now New York.
However, Noel was always expected to back up Mitchell Robinson, who has missed time this season due to a fractured hand and most recently fractured his right foot, which could keep them out for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.
In Robinson’s absence, Noel and Taj Gibson have supplemented his loss, but the 6’11”, 220-pound center has given everything and more than what the Knicks expected. He’s averaging 4.9 points, which isn’t a lofty offensive number, but pair that with a career-high 2.1 blocks per game and 1.0 steals, you can see Noel’s influence on paper.
How does Noel help the New York Knicks on the court?
In-game, though, Noel runs the floor well and protects the rim with ferocity and aggressiveness. He doesn’t let anybody come into his zone without contesting, which is exactly what Tom Thibodeau expects from his defensive-oriented unit.
Most recently, the Knicks overcame the Toronto Raptors in a close contest, and Noel played phenomenal basketball, earning nine points and four blocks, showcasing why he continues to start for this young team.
“Just Nerlens, man, all over the floor. Rebounds, blocks, finishing well. He did a little bit of everything,” Julius Randle said after the Knicks’ second straight comeback victory evened their record at 27-27. “We gotta keep going at it. Another big game for him [Monday against the Lakers] and I know he’ll [be ready].”
The reality is, without Noel, the Knicks are an entirely different squad that is forced to rely on 35-year-old veteran Taj Gibson and 10-day contract players like Norvel Pelle.
Noel currently ranked fourth in the NBA with 2.1 block shots per game, averaging just 22.9 minutes over 47 appearances. In the win over Toronto, he also posted 13 rebounds, five of them being offensive. Giving his team secondary opportunities and controlling the boards on defense has made him an impact player. I would be very surprised if the Knicks didn’t offer him an extension after this season, especially with Robinson going into the final year of his rookie deal.
How the Knicks will supplement the massive loss of Mitchell Robinson
The New York Knicks are still unsure if center Mitchell Robinson will be able to return from a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot this season. After landing awkwardly in the Knicks’ win over the Milwaukee Bucks several days ago, there is no timetable set for Robinson’s return. In fact, there’s a solid chance he misses the remainder of the 2020-21 season, which would significantly hurt the starting five and force the team to supplement with veterans.
Before Mitchell’s injury, he was averaging 8.3 points and a career-high 8.1 total rebounds, making his way back from a fractured hand injury. Clearly, this is not Robinson’s year, but luckily the Knicks have a few solid pieces to supplement his loss.
However, Robinson has one more year on his deal, a club option for the 2021 season, and it seems as if the Knicks will ride out the remainder of his rookie contract before considering an extension. There was a reason to believe that if Robinson performed well and remained healthy, he would’ve received an extension, but clearly, that won’t be the case.
In his absence, head coach Tom Thibodeau will roll with Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson. Noel has been phenomenal this season as a rotational piece at center, averaging 5.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and a career-high 2.0 blocks per game. His defense has been incredible, starting more games this year than any of the previous three seasons.
Unfortunately, the Knicks were unable to lure Andre Drummond to New York, as he elected to take his talents to the Los Angeles Lakers. Drummond would’ve been a phenomenal addition, but the Knicks aren’t yet appealing to players looking for new teams mid-season.
In addition to Noel, Gibson also offers a strong presence on the interior. While he is past his prime at 35 years old, he’s averaging 4.6 points over 19.2 minutes but is a physical rebounder and savvy veteran. The only problem with the Knicks’ current plan is that both Noel and Gibson are more rotational pieces based on their age and durability.
One free-agent piece that could be worth exploring is DeMarcus Cousins, and considering his connection with Kenny Payne during his time at Kentucky, there could be an increased interest.
However, Cousins has gone into his fair share of trouble, and while he doesn’t offer elite defense, he is a solid offensive piece that can provide double-digit scoring per game. At this point, New York is running out of options, and everything must be on the table.
Thibodeau, Randle mad after late costly call sinks Knicks
New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau kept it short while Julius Randle spewed fire after their heartbreaking 101-100 overtime loss Sunday night at The Garden to the Philadelphia 76ers.
“They said we didn’t challenge. Two officials. Tough calls. That’s all I’m going to say about it,” Thibodeau said.
Thibodeau was visibly furious after he was denied to challenge the loose ball foul called on Julius Randle that led to Tobias Harris’ game-winning free throws with 5.3 seconds left in the overtime.
Harris redeemed himself from missing two crucial free throws late in the regulation.
The Knicks still had a chance to win, but Randle’s tough jumper rimmed out at the buzzer.
Randle immediately vented his ire on the officials — only two of them as the third referee Dannica Mosher was a late scratch due to health and safety protocols.
“Blown call by the officials. Not enough contact for them to call the play. Nerlens (Noel), clearly he had possession. After all the fouling and everything that was going on for them to call that and decide the game is f—ing ridiculous. It’s ridiculous! They’ve got to do a better job. There are too many games like this,” Randle said in an explosive postgame interview.
The replays, though, showed Randle slightly shoved Harris with his hands caught clinging to the jersey.
It was the Knicks’ second straight tough defeat against the 76ers this week. Harris, a Long Island native, was also the Knicks’ tormentor in their 99-96 loss earlier this week in Philadelphia.
Randle’s costly foul failed to preserve his heroics in the regulation. The Knicks’ All-Star buried a corner three with 6.4 seconds left to force the overtime.
Alec Burks, who flubbed a fastbreak layup in the fourth quarter, engaged Danny Green in a wild shootout in the extra period.
The Knicks appeared to be in control when they opened a four-point lead, 100-96, on Reggie Bullock’s three with 70 seconds left.
But Harris bailed Philadelphia (30-13) out of trouble, scoring his team’s last five points. The narrow win kept the 76ers in the solo top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Mitchell Robinson returned after missing the Knicks’ last 15 games with a fractured hand. He appeared to be fine, collecting four points—including a putback slam— and six rebounds until he rolled his ankle in the second half. The Knicks’ young center played 17 minutes off the bench.
Immanuel Quickley also came back after a one-game absence and started anew with Derrick Rose (health and safety protocols) and Elfrid Payton (hamstring) still out. But Quickley was rusty as he missed his first five shots and the Knicks trailed by double digits early on.
Philadelphia built its largest lead, 43-29, in the second quarter. Then Quickley came alive. The rookie guard nailed two triples in a 13-0 New York run to end the first half only down by one, 43-42.
Burks scored 20 points off the bench, tallying 16 of them in the fourth quarter and overtime. RJ Barrett had 19 and eight boards while Nerlens Noel also stepped up for the Knicks with a season-high 13 points and 10 rebounds.
But all their efforts went down the drain.
The Knicks slipped to 21-22 and will host the lowly Washington Wizards (15-26), losers of eight of their last 10 games, on Tuesday and Thursday at home.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo
Knicks Injury Update: Mitchell Robinson cleared to practice
The New York Knicks have thrived and managed to get to as high as the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference without Mitchell Robinson. But after losing three of their last four since the All-Star break, the Knicks desperately need help to finish games.
While Robinson could still be weeks away from returning, his recovery progress has been encouraging.
The Knicks’ young center was seen at team practices and pre-game routines doing some light work without a cast in the last few days. New York coach Tom Thibodeau confirmed that Robinson had been cleared for non-contact drills. The next step for him is to go through practice.
“I know he’s been evaluated. He can get [contact], but not game contact yet,” Thibodeau said after the Knicks’ 99-96 loss in Philadelphia.
Robinson has missed the Knicks’ last 14 games. New York won eight during his absence, relying on Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson and sometimes playing Julius Randle as a small-ball center.
The Knicks were also rumored to be shopping for a big man linking them to Cleveland Cavaliers’ Andre Drummond and Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner.
But it was unclear whether those interests came before or after Robinson went down with an injury. Robinson underwent surgery last February 16 to repair a fracture in his right hand.
It seems his hand has been healing well.
“There’s a progression to what he goes through. Everything looks good,” Thibodeau said.
Initially, Robinson was projected to miss four to six weeks. He’s now on the fifth week of recovery.
“He’s done a lot of running on the court—that sort of thing and ball handling with the left hand. And now, the next phase is for him to go through practice. Take contact there, and we all know the intensity of the game is a lot different than practice. That will be the next step, and then once he clears that, he’ll be ready to go,” Thibodeau said.
There’s no definite timetable yet for his return.
Can the Knicks afford more time to wait for him, or will they pull the trigger on a trade to bring in frontcourt help for their playoff push?
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo
2 underrated Knicks who are making a significant impact
The New York Knicks are coming off an impressive win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday evening just ahead of the All-Star break. The Knicks will have a week to rest up and heal their bodies before facing off against a strong Milwaukee Bucks squad. The team is one game over .500, climbing back from being down five games at one point, showing resiliency and compounding growth.
However, every player has played an integral part in their recent success, and there are two specific pieces that have made an impact in their own way.
Two New York Knicks who are being undervalued with latest success:
1.) Nerlens Noel
With Starting center Mitchell Robinson missing several weeks with a fractured hand, reserve option Nerlens Noel has risen to the occasion. At 26 years old, Noel has been a menace on the boards, averaging 2.1 offensive rebounds and 6.1 total rebounds, the highest since his 2015 season. He’s averaging the most blocks in his entire career at 2.0 per game, scoring 4.9 points over 22.2 minutes.
In the win over Detroit, he logged 12 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. He’s been absolutely phenomenal on defense, helping New York dominate the boards and offer secondary opportunities to their shooters.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau prefers defensive-minded players, and Noel has provided that spark and then some. He has supplemented the loss of Robinson extremely well, and I would be surprised if he didn’t earn more minutes even after the youngster returns.
2.) Alec Burks
One of the more underrated players for the Knicks has been Alec Burks, who always seems to rise to the occasion when a three-pointer is needed in the fourth quarter. Several days ago, Burks scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks to a victory, showing off his ability to get hot from the field. While he remains a reserve option, he has solid court vision and seems comfortable with the ball in his hands. He’s averaging 11.1 points over 24.7 minutes this year while also helping with 2.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds.
Burks seems to be a fantastic rotational piece that can provide offensive prowess when called upon. With the Knicks playing aggressive defense, it is always good to have a shooter who can score points quickly and give some of the starters a rest. At 29 years old, he’s a valuable veteran that adds to the team.
The New York Knicks are bringing the most out of their reserve big-man
The New York Knicks earned an impressive win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday evening, 109-90. Thanks to stellar defense, New York broke the .500 mark, taking control of fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Julius Randle once again had a fantastic outing, posting 24 points and eight rebounds. He also contributed six assists and connected on 50% of his three-pointers.
Acquisition Derrick Rose has once again proven to be a focal point for the team as a starter, putting up 14 points and five assists, but also contributing significantly on the defensive side of the ball. Youngsters RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley combined for 33 points, but Quickley’s inability to accrue any assists was a tad disappointing. Nonetheless, over 16 minutes, he provided a nice offensive spark.
The most underrated player on any given day and especially in this defensive domination of the Pistons, is reserve center Nerlens Noel.
Noel was fantastic in the contest, recording 11 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, also contributing eight points.
“If you don’t know, you’re going to find out,’’ Noel said regarding rim penetrators attempting to drive the lane. “I’m protecting the rim by any means. It’s a great aspect to my game I try to play at a high level. Just do enough to change the game. Just come in and find out.’’’
Head coach Tom Thibodeau loves defensive players that play aggressively, and Noel is exactly that. He meets attackers at the point of execution, and blocks shots efficiently. Normally, the Knicks would feature Mitchell Robinson in that role, but Nerlens has gradually taking steps forward and is playing at a high-level. As long as his knees can hold up, Noel could see himself starting more minutes even when Robinson returns.
“I definitely don’t want anyone hurt on this team,’’ Noel said. “But I’ve taken that spot and made a focal point to man this team and be the anchor on the defensive end and do the small little things to help us win. I think I’ve been at a high level.’’
Healthy competition brings the best out in players, so Robinson will have to fight for his job back once he returns from a fractured hand injury. Noel, on the other hand, is averaging 10.3 blocks and 1.0 steals over the last 10 games, but a smaller sample size has offered five steals in four games.
Knicks bracing for worst-case scenario with Mitchell Robinson’s injury
Robinson injury explained
A New York City-based Performance Physical Therapist & High-Performance Consultant had a dimmer outlook before Wojnarowski’s report.“I watched the tape of the play. It looks like [Robinson] sustained the fracture in a wrist extended position, which is most commonly associated with distal radial fractures,” Dr. Ernest S. Eusebio told Empire Sports Media.Dr. Eusebio, who has worked with NBA, MLB, NFL athletes, and Olympians, is the founder of the Wolves Performance & Lifestyle Collective, an all-encompassing high-performance consultancy providing solutions in Professional Sport, Entertainment, & Fortune 500. He is also an awarded clinician by the American Health Council (Best in Patient Care). Dr. Eusebio explained that there are several types of that injury.
“But typically they all involve fractures or displacement of the local structures proximal to the distal radius. Bones typically heal within a 6-8 week time frame, but high-level rim protectors, like Mitch, who have to consistently use their hands to anchor defense and finish plays at the rim, might need to undergo specialized performance physical therapy for about 10-12 weeks to feel normal again,” Dr. Eusebio added.After Wojnarowski’s report came out, Dr. Eusebio said that “historically, the 4-6 weeks is the timeline of clearance to run through some practice time.”
“They found a fourth metacarpal fracture. Better outlook than a true distal radial fracture,” Dr. Eusebio explained. “It’s still the same region of the hand.”Thibodeau doesn’t want to dwell on the negative as the Knicks are in the thick of the fight for a playoff spot this season. Entering Saturday’s home game against the Houston Rockets, the Knicks are on the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference with their 12-15 record.
Life without Robinson
Thibodeau will lean on their depth, and Kevin Knox, whose status he earlier described as situational, may find his way back into the rotation.Mitchell Robinson’s injury could open up playing time for Kevin Knox in some games where Thibs will go small-ball with Randle at 5 & Knox at 4. But it will be Nerlens & Taj who will get the most bump in playing time. pic.twitter.com/aqI1etBr3g
— alder almo (@alderalmo) February 13, 2021
“We’ll have some flexibility. We could play smaller,” Thibodeau said after last night’s win in Washington.
“I like what Taj gives us. Obviously, the great value and the things that Mitch brought to the team was the defensive component, and I feel that Nerlens does many of those things extremely well. And of course, Taj, that’s been his strength throughout his career. So I don’t want to lose that piece of it. But I like the way Obi’s coming on. He’s giving us good minutes. So we have that option. We can downsize and can play Kevin (Knox) at the 4. Play Julius at the 5. There’s a number of things that we can do,” he added.
Collective effort
Thibodeau was using a tight 10-man rotation before Robinson’s injury. Noel is usually the first center off the bench to spell Robinson. He anchored the Knicks’ defense in the second half last night, and he is expected to replace Robinson in the starting lineup. He had four points, four rebounds, and three blocks in 16 minutes, while Gibson is averaging 7.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench since Derrick Rose’s arrival.“I like the versatility of the team. But anytime you lose a player of Mitch’s caliber, we have to make sure we’re playing hard. We can’t replace that individually. We have to do it collectively, and everyone has gonna have to step up,” Thibodeau stressed.Life without Robinson begins today when they go up against the undermanned Houston Rockets, who will be missing key players Victor Oladipo (sore right foot) and Christian Wood (ankle sprain). Veteran bruiser PJ Tucker is questionable for the Rockets. Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo
Toppin, Knicks impressive in Thibodeau’s coaching return
Tom Thibodeau triumphantly returned to coaching while rookie Obi Toppin was electrifying in New York Knicks’ 90-84 preseason win against the Pistons Friday night at the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit.
It didn’t look and feel like a preseason with Thibodeau coaching the Knicks hard in his first game back after nearly two years away from the game. Unveiling a suffocating defense, the new-look Knicks bucked a jittery start and led by as many as 18 points in the third quarter.
Electrifyin’ Toppin
Toppin came off the bench and energized the second unit with his athleticism and boundless energy.
The Brooklyn-born forward had to shrug off rookie jitters after missing his first two shots. He settled down right away and hustled his way to finish with 11 points highlighted by an emphatic dunk off a Kevin Knox feed.
Just an awesome sequence from Obi Toppin. Such a fun player. Knicks fans got a good one. pic.twitter.com/JkEhK4zTKU
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) December 12, 2020
He also grabbed seven rebounds in 20 minutes as Julius Randle’s backup.
“I thought he was very aggressive to start the game. [He] scored the ball, and then there was more attention. For his first game, I thought he did a lot of good things, and he saw when things work a certain way in the first half, sometimes it’s different in the second, and you have to read that as well,” Thibodeau said of Toppin’s first taste of NBA action. “But overall, very good. I loved his aggressiveness.”
RJ Barrett overcame a poor start to lead all scorers with 15 points and five boards. The Canadian wingman missed his first six shots and was 2-for-10 in the first half. But he hit his strides in the third quarter, teaming up with Alec Burks to lead the Knicks’ breakaway from a tight 48-47 halftime score.
The Pistons came charging back in the fourth quarter with their bench led by rookies Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart. The home team closed the gap, 85-79, on Stewart layup before Randle’s jumper with 34.8 seconds left clinched the Knicks’ victory.
Randle had a solid all-around game, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
Centers of attention
The battle for the starting center spot will be interesting to watch as Nerlens Noel, and Mitchell Robinson alternately played a solid job anchoring the defense.
Noel had 10 points, eight rebounds, and two shot blocks as a starter, while Robinson came off the bench and turned in seven boards, four steals, two blocks, and two points in 22 minutes.
When asked what won Noel the starting job in this game, Thibodeau pointed to Noel’s elite rim protection and finishing at the basket.
“But I’m very pleased with Mitchell as well. So I think when you have two bigs that are like that, it’s a big bonus,” Thibodeau said. “And they’re very similar. I’m not sure who I’m gonna start, but I like both of those guys, and we’ll gonna need them to play well as a team.”
The Knicks’ signature Thibodeau defense held the Pistons to just 32.5 percent from the field. They had 12 steals and six blocks, forcing 22 turnovers and translated that to 19 points. They were also active on the glass, outrebounding the Pistons, 54-41. But the Knicks also got sloppy, and there were times Thibodeau wasn’t happy and even took his mask off to show his displeasure.
Thibodeau coached with a regular-season game intensity yelling and going after the referees after a bad call.
Payton’s job to lose
Elfrid Payton did a solid all-around job at the point, producing 10 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
Dennis Smith Jr. looked more comfortable with his jumper, hitting a three-pointer in a seven-point effort off the bench.
With Austin Rivers sidelined by a groin injury, Frank Ntilikina spelled Barrett and finished with seven points and five boards.
Thibodeau used 11 players, with the Knicks’ other first-round pick Immanuel Quickley receiving a DNP.
Thibodeau and his staff will continue evaluating the roster when the Knicks play the Pistons again on Sunday at 7 p.m. E.T.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo