The NY Knicks have Kristaps Porzingis dealing with a neck injury after Carmelo Anthony fell on the rookie in the loss against the Spurs on Monday night. The Knicks have been getting strong play from Porzingis along with Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway and that could make Jose Calderon a trade target at some point this season.
Porzingis, who was the number four overall pick in the draft this year, has been impressive for the Knicks this season, but he could be out for the game on Wednesday against the Cavaliers with a neck strain. According to ESPN New York, Porzingis avoided a serious injury after Anthony fell on his back while battling for a rebound, but his neck was strained and now he will be "re-evaluated" on Tuesday. Porzingis said that he had "some stiffness" in his neck and it came after he put up the first double-double of his career with 13 points and 14 rebounds against the Spurs.
Porzingis has been starting for the Knicks as a rookie and he has been playing well on both ends of the floor for the team. Porzingis has given the team energy up front while going after rebounds and he has shown some solid defensive skills, including on some blocked shots against the Spurs on Monday. The Knicks have been getting solid contributions from young players this season, including from Porzingis, Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway.
Arron Afflalo has been injured and that has given Galloway and Grant more chances to play. The New York Post reports that Carmelo Anthony has given praise to Grant, saying he wants to play more with the young point guard, while Derek Fisher has "hinted" that he could get more playing time. While it's still early in the season, the play of Grant and Galloway could get the Knicks to consider making a deal with Jose Calderon at the trade deadline if teams show interest.
The Knickers also may look at adding some offense to the bench, as the team recently drafted Jimmer Fredette to their D-League affiliate. According to the New York Post, Fredette, who had his D-League rights waived by the Spurs, had offers in Europe, but decided to remain stateside and now is with the Knicks team in Westchester. Fredette was quoted as saying that the move is an opportunity for him and the Post writes that he could be an option later in the season as the 15th man on the main roster for the Knicks.
The move with Fredette is a low risk, high upside option, as Fredette was formerly the national player of the year in college, but has not been able to get things going over four years in the league with the Kings, Pelicans and Bulls. Fredette could be a fan magnet for the team in the D-League and even if he makes the Knicks and he has always been an accurate shooter and that could get him some consideration on the roster.