Jeffries out 6-to-8 weeks Wednesday, October 18, 2006
The prognosis for Jared Jeffries is as bad as Isiah Thomas feared, and the short-term forecast for the Knicks doesn't sound much better.
Jeffries, who signed a five-year, $30 million contract in August, will be out six to eight weeks with a non-displaced left wrist fracture, the Knicks announced yesterday. A team official called Jeffries' timetable conservative, but even if the fifth-year pro returns in early December, he will miss at least one-quarter of the season.
"It's definitely a setback, but we can't let that be an excuse," Knicks president and coach Isiah Thomas said before last night's 116-108 win over the Celtics. "When he comes back and is ready to play, then we'll try to plug him in as quickly as we can. But right now our job is to improve and get ourselves ready to play in an unmerciful league."
Jeffries, who spent the first four years of his career in Washington, was projected to be a key part of Thomas' plan this season. The Knicks wanted to start the 6-10 Jeffries at small forward and use him as a defensive stopper against some of the league's elite swingmen. In November, the Knicks will twice face Tracy McGrady, Paul Pierce and LeBron James and will also see Kevin Garnett and Carmelo Anthony.
"It's frustrating, but it could have been worse," Jeffries said. "It's not the end of the world."
Jeffries suffered the injury to his non-shooting hand during the first half of Friday's game against the Nets but didn't have an MRI until Sunday. The following day he visited a hand specialist who informed Jeffries that while surgery would not be required, he may need two months to heal.
"I think it's very conservative, but we'll see," he said. "That's their opinion and I respect that, but I'm going to do my best to get back."
Thomas has several options to replace Jeffries since the Knicks have an abundance of small forwards. Jalen Rose, who as recently as last week didn't have a role on the team, started last night against Boston but only because Pierce didn't play. Had Pierce dressed, Thomas was prepared to start Quentin Richardson, who was one of the Knicks' best defensive players last season. The Knicks tried desperately to trade Richardson during the off-season.
Thomas admitted that there "may not be a lot of run left in (Rose's) body" and hinted that he would likely come off the bench because he is not a strong defensive player.
"He's respected out on the floor for his offensive game," Thomas said. "On the other end, he will have some deficiencies, but my job as a coach and the players' job as teammates is to kind of help him in those areas he's deficient at."
Thomas said that first-round pick Renaldo Balkman is under consideration, but it's more likely that second-year forward David Lee will get a chance to crack the starting lineup. Lee started several games last season at small forward and is similar to Jeffries in that he thinks defense first and doesn't need plays run for him.
Notebook
ALLAN APPROVES: Allan Houston attended yesterday's practice and revealed that Jeffries called him over the summer to inform him of his desire to wear No. 20....Jamal Crawford scored 22 points and Eddy Curry added 19 as the Knicks improved to 3-0 in the preseason.
posted by Brandon Schenz @ 6:42 AM,
