Now Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has no choice but to use Texas rookie center Jericho Sims to support Mitchell Robinson.
Kendra Nerlens Noel's suspense continued when the Knicks ruled that he would not wear Sunday vs. the Clippers due to plantar fasciitis. Center Taj Gibson also did not play due to illness, and power forward Obi Toppin missed his second straight game with a strained hamstring.
Since the All-Star break, Thibodeau has chosen to play Sims over veterans Noel and Gibson, explaining that he needed to take a look at the 23-year-old. Sims finished Sunday night with four points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes in the Clippers' 116-93 blowout.
Noel continues to be in uniform, with Thibodeau saying he is not 100 percent and wants him to practice more before playing. It has been a disastrous season for Noel, who missed all preseason and played just 25 games with knee, hamstring and leg injuries.
The Knicks have not made Noel available for comment since the break, despite multiple requests.
After a season's big bang, replacing the injured Robinson last season, Noel has been in for a major disappointment when the Knicks signed him last August for a three-year, $32 million deal—another goof by President Leon Rose. Noel has a history of injuries ahead of his big contract-year season.
Noel's medical issues have given the Knicks all the more impetus to try to lock Robinson into a contract extension—until it's too late. Robinson was a monster in Phoenix, overtaking former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton on Friday at the Phoenix Heartbreaker, finishing with 17 points and 15 rebounds (nine offensives). He remained hot against the Clippers with 12 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.
Thibodeau has finally begun using rookie point guard Miles McBride in a non-mop-up role. He got eight minutes on Friday for Emmanuel Quickley as off guard. And played six minutes in the first half and 18 minutes in total against the Clippers.