:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48880523/usa-today-8867076.0.jpg)
The New York Knicks may have struck out at the trade deadline, but that doesn't mean we won't see reinforcements this season. One such player may be second-year small forward Cleanthony Early, who was shot in the knee in a horrifying robbery attempt on Dec. 30.
Rambis said Cleanthony has started running on full weight. Believes Early will return this season, no timetable. Wound hasn't fully healed
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) February 19, 2016
Tremendous news! While there's no guarantee Early will return this season -- that whole "Wound hasn't fully healed" thing is particularly worrying -- his return would be a wonderful moment for this team. As for Cle himself, he has all the motivation in the world to get back on the court; he'll be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, and has only played 681 minutes in his pro career. That next contract has to be on his mind; hopefully he can block that out and focus on the task of returning to full health.
In other news, Carmelo Anthony is ready to roll:
FWIW: Carmelo Anthony says he didn't feel significant soreness in his knee after the Knicks' last two practices.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 19, 2016
Carmelo Anthony says he didn't expect the Knicks to make any trades and he didn't seem disappointed about what did - or didn't - happen.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 19, 2016
Nice to see the team's leader refreshed and looking forward to the task ahead. Here's to good health for Melo, good health for Cle, good health for all Knicks!