Knicks guard Jalen Brunson controls the ball against the Spurs
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson controls the ball against the Spurs
The Knicks now know exactly when Jalen Brunson needs to be ready. Their title defense opens Oct. 20 against Philadelphia, 67 days from Friday.
That gives Brunson a real target after surgery on his left wrist and forearm area July 7. His original recovery estimate called for at least two months of rehabilitation, which would put him back on the court well before opening night if everything stays on track.
The schedule creates temptation. Banner night at Madison Square Garden, LeBron James in a 76ers uniform and a national audience will make everybody want Brunson on the floor.
The Knicks still cannot rush him for one game.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson reacts during an NBA Finals game
Jalen Brunson reacts during Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson needs basketball time before opening night
Medical clearance is only one step. Brunson has to rebuild strength in the wrist, absorb contact, handle the ball and get enough live work to trust it when a defender reaches across his body.
He averaged 26.0 points, 6.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 74 regular-season games before carrying an even larger load in the playoffs. He scored 45 points in the game that won New York the championship. There is no reasonable way to replace that role if his wrist is not ready.
The Knicks should want him back for training camp, but they do not need him taking every rep on the first day. Mike Brown has Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson available to handle more of the early ballhandling while Brunson works his way back.
A slower ramp-up is far better than treating Oct. 20 like a deadline he cannot miss.
The Knicks have enough time if they use it properly
I would rather see Brunson miss opening night than play it at 80 percent and spend the next month managing soreness. The banner will still go up. The season will still be 82 games long.
The calendar gives him room. Two months from surgery lands in early September, leaving roughly six weeks before Philadelphia. It should be enough time for conditioning and preseason work if the wrist responds normally.
New York has already treated the injury as its one serious summer concern. The full schedule makes the stakes easier to see, but it should not change the recovery plan.
Brunson is the player the Knicks need healthy in May and June. Opening night matters, but his left wrist matters more.