The New York Knicks are scheduled for an early offseason vacation, and Kristaps Porzingis’ getaway might begin earlier than that.
The 7’3″ skyscraper is dealing with back spasms that have kept him out of the Knicks’ last two games. And following the team’s Thursday night loss to the Washington Wizards, head coach Jeff Hornacek intimated that the Latvian lord may be shut down for the rest of the season, per ESPN.com’s Ian Begley:
Jeff Hornacek said Kristaps Porzingis' back spasmed up during warm ups. He's not sure if he'll play in the final four games of the season.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 7, 2017
Knicks may hold out Kristaps Porzingis in final three games of the season due to back spasms. Hornacek said they'll be 'careful' with him.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 7, 2017
This is a no-brainer call.
For starters, the Knicks obviously need to play it safe. They’re going nowhere, and Porzingis is only 21. He has his entire career ahead of him. No sense risking further injury, when he’s already dealt with so many, so that he can make a cameo in three meaningless games.
Equally important, Porzingis’ absence is good for the Knicks’ tank. They’re currently on pace to finish with the NBA’s sixth-worst record. But they’re only two games off the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, who are tied for the league’s fourth-worst record.
It’s unlikely the Knicks fall past either of them, but with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings each two games in front of them in the loss column, Porzingis’ sabbatical should ensure they don’t inadvertently climb another spot or two in the standings.
Silver linings, yo.
