Where in the world is Arron Afflalo? Many New York Knicks are patiently awaiting the return of the shooting guard who was one of the bigger free agent signing for the franchise this summer. After inking a two-year deal, the shooting guard suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason that has left him off the court for the start of the season. In need of backcourt help moving forward, is Afflalo set to return sooner rather than later?
According to Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv, the Knicks are hopeful that Afflalo returns this week for the team's road trip. Afflalo has participated in some five-on-five drills as he told the media that he is feeling better and is hoping to get back on the court soon in order to begin making progress with the franchise.
"They're still going to put me through some extreme tests tomorrow, see how I respond," Afflalo said, via SNY.tv. "I will say I'll be out there within the week for sure. I think I can confidently say that based on our discussions. I got out there with a few of my teammates, they pushed me. I'll try to get another one in tomorrow and see how they respond and then go from there. I'm beyond that now. I'm just ready to play. I'm ready to play because I know that the things I bring will definitely help."
In place of Afflalo, Sasha Vujacic has been getting the starting nod and not impressing on the court. He along with Jose Calderon have been the most notable weakness for the Knicks this season. Despite the issues, head coach Derek Fisher has refused to remove them from the starting lineup even though Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway are outplaying both veterans. Caleron made it clear that he does not care what his role is on the team as long as they are winning. The point guard is aware he is not playing well at the moment.
"I want to win, I want to help this team," Calderon said, via ESPN.com. "It doesn't matter if I am starting or coming off the bench or if I'm the fourth point guard, at the end of the day. So it's all right. You guys were talking about me. You weren't talking [badly] about [my teammates], so it was good for us. I want to win, I want to help this team. It doesn't matter if I am starting or coming off the bench or if I'm the fourth point guard, at the end of the day. So it's all right. You guys were talking about me. You weren't talking [badly] about [my teammates], so it was good for us."
Fisher has made it clear that he likes Grant and Galloway coming off the bench in order to give a needed spark to the offense. For now that will remain the same even when Afflalo returns to the court.