Monday practice notes: Jose Calderon "optimistic" about playing vs. Boston

The New York Knicks have a hugely massive, massively huge home game against the hated Boston Celtics Tuesday night, and they could certainly use the services of starting point guard Jose Calderon. Well things are looking up for the orange and blue, as the Spanish ham master practiced Monday afternoon:

Jose Calderon practiced today after missing the last 3 games with a groin injury and is optimistic about playing tomorrow against Boston.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 1, 2016

Calderon isn't a panacea for the Knicks' wounds, but his steady hand at the point could be an asset against Boston's hectic perimeter D. Also, he'd be taking Sasha Vujacic's minutes, so it's really a win-win.

In other news, Derek Fisher said something really, really strange in regards to a question about Kristaps Porzingis:

Derek Fisher on if Porzingis is ready to have his number called down stretch of games: "We don't run plays."

— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) February 1, 2016

Fisher's point was that the Knicks don't run plays because they have multiple players who can score and they're taking what defense gives.

— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) February 1, 2016

Uh, what? First of all, that statement is simply not true. The Knicks do run plays late in games. I've seen them do it. They've failed to run plays at times, particularly when Carmelo Anthony has been out, but they've also been very proactive on occasion. Let's just take this with a grain of salt, shall we?

At least Fisher tried his hand at inspiration by inviting a Marine to practice:

Today, retired US Marine Corps, Nancy Schiliro visited the #Knicks. #HoopsForTroops pres. by @Delta. pic.twitter.com/DbmvT5dVz3

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 1, 2016

Rally them troops, Fish. The team could sure use a win tomorrow.