Fizdale ‘not planning’ to have big man back this season

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — While the Knicks were flying out on Election Day to play in Atlanta, Kristaps Porzingis remained behind in New York, marking an anniversary of sorts. It was nine months to the day that he crumpled to the floor at Madison Square Garden, the anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg torn and his future suddenly uncertain.

A week later Porzingis underwent surgery with no timetable for his return, estimates placed at nine months on the low end and the entire loss of the current season a possibility whispered all the way up to the ownership suite.

Now that the low estimate has passed, Porzingis remains in limbo, far from ready to return to action. He works out at the practice facility, on the same stage of light jogging and shooting that he was at before training camp be- gan. He joins in huddles at home games and in practice sessions, serving as a 7-foot-3 assistant coach. But no one seems to have any better idea of when he'll be back.

Asked if he thought Porzingis would return this season, coach David Fizdale said. “I'm not planning on (it). I'm looking at these guys right now. I'm not even planning on KP at all. I can see instantly how he fits, but I'm just trying to keep my mind focused on them. Because that would just be a huge distraction for me mentally, hoping and wishing for KP, that 25, 28 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, whatever. I've got to lock in on these young bucks.”

The Knicks did not sign Porzingis to an extension over the summer. That means he will be a restricted free agent next summer and if he were to return and reinjure the knee he could cost himself a massive contract.