Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes expected to be ready for Knicks’ opener

It seems Obi Toppin’s turned ankle isn’t severe, though he was held out of shape on Sunday.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned the choice to relaxation Toppin was precautionary, and he could return to apply on Monday.

“We wished to play it secure with him,” Thibodeau mentioned.

Quentin Grimes (sore left foot) additionally didn’t do a lot at apply. However Thibodeau doesn’t suppose both participant is in jeopardy of lacking the opener towards the Grizzlies on Wednesday.

“I believe they’ll be positive,” the coach mentioned. “That is a part of this system. Obi was extra precautionary. It was simply he tweaked it.”


Thibodeau didn’t appear overly involved by the second unit’s struggles within the preseason. The group blew a 10-point lead within the ultimate 6:09 of Wednesday’s loss to the Pacers and wasn’t a lot better in Friday’s recreation towards the Wizards. A part of that may be attributed to Grimes being out a lot of the preseason, Derrick Rose not enjoying in one of many video games and the group getting used to a brand new participant in Isaiah Hartenstein. Immanuel Quickley struggled, taking pictures 7-for-27 with a minus-32 score within the final two exhibition video games.

Quentin Grimes #6 and Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks embrace during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 20, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes needs to be able to go for Wednesday’s opener.
NBAE by way of Getty Pictures

“It was uneven. However now we have to do higher,” Thibodeau mentioned. “They should get to know one another, that form of factor. And in addition, we’re enjoying loads of totally different combos. After which Derrick not being on the market, I believe that impacts that group significantly. We noticed that final yr, as effectively. However I like what Isaiah brings to that group. I’m not fearful about [Quickley] making pictures. I do know he’s gonna make pictures. I believe as we get Quentin again, that can assist some, too.”


Jalen Brunson and Thibodeau haven’t been shocked by how rapidly the brand new level guard has tailored to his new environment, averaging 17.7 factors, 4.2 assists and taking pictures 49 % from the sphere within the preseason, however Julius Randle has been.

“At the very least in my private time on this league, it’s most likely about as simple a match, at the least from the purpose guard place that I’ve seen,” Randle mentioned. “One other one was Lonzo Ball after I performed with him in [Los Angeles with the Lakers] his first yr. He was fairly simple to play with from the beginning. However Jalen’s been nice from Day 1.”

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