Hardaway won’t stress, but today’s a big test
CHARLOTTE — Tim Hardaway Jr. will get a much better idea Tuesday about when he can return.
The shooting guard is set to undergo tests — including an X-Ray — on a left leg that has forced him out of nine straight games because of a stress injury.
When asked about his expectations following Monday’s loss to the Hornets, Hardaway Jr. said he’s avoiding them out of fear he’ll be disappointed.
“However they go — the testing, X-Ray, I’m not going to get too high or low,” he said. “If I get too high, I’ll get discouraged. It’s something I don’t want to hear, I’ll be upset. It’s whatever the doctors tell me tomorrow, I’m 100 percent all in and move forward with it.”
The biggest fear with Hardaway Jr.’s injury is if he developed a stress fracture. However, the 25-year-old said Monday he is “feeling a little better” and warmed up by shooting with his
brace on.
“I was doing some light shooting. I’m able to do it with the brace on, shoot here and there. I’m not in a wheelchair or anything guys,” Hardaway Jr. said. “I can do stuff as long it’s with the brace on. I’m not going to jump. I’m not going to try to do anything outrageous. I can do some form shooting. I can shoot off the wrong leg or layups. Just no full speed stuff. Just stationary stuff. A little bit here and there.
“I’m feeling a little better, just continue to do the workouts, continue to do the exercises the medical staff is giving me. I’m happy with it. I’m comfortable. It doesn’t feel like it’s hurting or anything right now. I just have to make sure I’m doing what they’re telling me to do and just relax and not overdo things.”
The Knicks (16-14) dropped to 5-4 without Hardaway Jr. following the embarrassing defeat to the Hornets. Courtney Lee has picked up much of the scoring slack but struggled mightily in Charlotte with just two points on 1 of 8 shooting.
“It was very disappointing. I know for myself I was very frustrated,” Lee said. “I missed a lot of easy shots I usually make.”