New York Knicks Forced to Hasten Guard Spot With Jose Calderon Injury
Jose Calderon is the man tasked to keep the New York Knicks together despite talks that he could be traded soon.
Through the weeks, we have heard of Brandon Jennings and Jeff Teague looming as likely prospects. Thus far, nothing has come close to seeing it materialize. Though the NBA trade deadline is still about two weeks off, anything can still happen. For now though, the Knicks have to make do with the veteran Spanish guard.
However, as we speak, Calderon hasn’t really helped the Knicks' cause. He has missed four straight games due to a strained right groin.
Calderon was earlier rumored to be returning against the Boston Celtics but the 34-year-old guard was ruled out for that one. The latest word is that he could sit up instead for the Knicks next game against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
“It’s always tough when you’re not there and you’re not able to help your teammates, but you always got to think about long term, too. You don’t want to be back and pull something and be out for a month or something like that. Hopefully, everything is good,” said Calderon to the New York Post.
With Calderon out, Langston Galloway has been called upon to fill in for him though his performance against the Celtics was far from impressive. The Knicks dropped that one to the Celtics 97-89 and are now 23-28.
On trade rumors, Calderon is unfazed by such. He previously said that he is used to being in the center of trade talks.
“It’s what it is. I’m used to it. Like I always say, we don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m really happy where I am right now, with the role I have, the way we’re building something here and how the team is playing, but you’re always one call away from something changing,” said Calderon to Newsday.
With no development on possible free agent signings, Calderon will indeed have to do for now. However, the next question is up to when?
The Knicks are expected to work up their guard rotation soon, something that could happen by the NBA trade deadline. This is with the understanding that the Knicks are upping their stakes for a possible playoff berth later this season.
The Knicks have so far surprised many and are in a good position to make it. To do that, a changing of the guard could be a necessity.
If not this season, the Knicks may eventually have to consider trading Calderon. At 34 years of age, the 11-year NBA veteran is reaching his prime and could at some point see a larger dip in production.
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