Tim Jr. return close after full-court game

TIM Hardaway Jr. was sprinting, dribbling, jumpshooting, defending. For the first time in five weeks, the $71 million shooting guard was involved in a full-court game Tuesday at practice.

It was enough to discuss the possibility of an earlier return date, with a couple important qualifiers.

“Right now we’re close,” he said. “But it doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what the doctors say and what my training staff wants me to do after I get the news.”

The key with Hardaway Jr., beyond the results of an upcoming re-evaluation, is how he’ll respond from the raise in physical activity. If he wakes up without pain, the progression toward playing continues. Either way, he’ll miss his 20th straight game tonight against the Bulls because of the stress injury to his leg. It’s a tricky injury because there’s a possibility of making it worse by playing. His participation in a full-court scrimmage was an encouraging sign considering only three days prior Hardaway Jr. said he was plotting a comeback during the Knicks’ sevengame road trip that goes from Jan. 15-26.

But after watching and listening to Hardaway Jr. on Tuesday, it feels like a return could be sooner.

“No dates. Just when I

KNICKS vs. BULLS 7:30 on MSG

said that (I’d come back on the road trip) it’s because the majority of our games are on the road this month,” Hardaway Jr. said. “It could be a home game, could be a road game. I’ve still got to get evaluated first. Once that’s taken care of then I’m pretty sure we’ll be able to give you all a timetable.”

Jeff Hornacek didn’t want to make any predictions beyond ruling out Hardaway Jr. for tonight.

“They gradually build him up and see how he responds. If he shows up (this morning) and he’s sore or something, then they’ll back him off,” the coach said. “I don’t anticipate (he’ll play against the Bulls). After that, we’ll see.”

The Knicks (19-21) are 8-11 without Hardaway Jr., including two defeats to the Bulls in Chicago.