Derrick Rose could miss the Knicks’ four-game road trip, which begins the post-All-Star hiatus schedule, due to undisclosed COVID-19 issues.
Rose, who has missed the past two games after a March 2 test in San Antonio was inconclusive, was not with the team in Milwaukee for Wednesday’s practice. He is ruled out from Thursday’s game against the Bucks.
The Knicks won’t say whether Rose tested positive after the inconclusive test, but Thursday will be Day 9 since the San Antonio test. The Knicks have announced that he is looking for security protocols.
According to a source, the competition requires a player to be off for 10 days and then two more days for training.
“To be honest I can’t answer that because I don’t know,” said Thibodeau when asked if he would rejoin the club during the trip. “I’m following what Dr. [Lisa] Callahan and what the competition says. Once there is permission, it is available. If we know, we will update you. You’ve seen it handled throughout the competition. We know it is serious about COVID and we want to take all possible safety precautions. ”
The league announced on Wednesday that two unidentified players had tested positive since March 3. Rose reportedly took another test on March 3 and needed a negative test to be approved for the March 4 game against the Pistons.
Elfrid Payton remains the starting point guard, but Rose’s absence means that Frank Ntilikina continues in the rotation.
“I like the depth,” said Thibodeau.
Center Mitchell Robinson (broken hand) was re-evaluated, but Thibodeau didn’t sound like he was ready to come back soon.
“There is still no set timetable,” said Thibodeau. He’s starting to do more. We’re probably a little way away. But the conditioning, he has been very diligent to do the extra work. So its conditioning is pretty good. The basketball area, he couldn’t score or anything. But he handles the ball with his left hand and runs a lot. We just have to be patient and let it go. ”
Taj Gibson backup center was upgraded to questionable to play on Thursday and returned to parts of practice.
Immanuel Quickley did not make the honorary selection of Rising Stars because of the format with which a World Team is filled with international players.
“At the end of the year or at the end of my career, whatever happens, everything will be fine and in the end I will get what I deserve,” said Quickley. Just use it as a motivational factor. ”
Austin Rivers did not join the Milwaukee team due to the birth of his son.
Quickley felt that Obi Toppin, another rookie, should have won the Dunk match.
“Obi must have been disapproved,” said Quickley. ‘He’s done crazy things. He should have won. ”