DENVER -- Tyson Chandler believes he’ll return to the New York Knicks' lineup in the semi-near future, but just how soon is open for debate.
Coach Mike Woodson said at Friday’s shootaround that his starting center could be back in about two weeks. But Chandler, recovering from a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula, wasn’t quite ready to confirm that as his team prepared to face the Denver Nuggets.
Tyson Chandler
#6 C
New York Knicks
2014 STATS
- GM4
PPG7.3
RPG9.0
APG1.3
FG%.600
- FT%.714
“I don’t want to put a timetable on it right now,” Chandler said. “I’m feeling better. I’m starting to do a little more. But we’re just kind of taking it as it goes.”
Asked when he’ll be cleared to run on the court, the 13th-year pro said: “That stuff, I really don’t know. The trainers kind of take it step by step, and when I can do one thing, they move me on to another to see how I react. But I couldn’t give you an honest answer on a timetable or how quickly I can start running on the court.”
Chandler insisted there have been no hiccups with his rehab, but the process has to run its due course. In the meantime, Chandler’s Knicks have dropped seven consecutive games. He said it’s been a difficult to sit and watch without being able to help.
“From my perspective it’s tough to watch, but the guys out there, we just have to play the game and have fun, trust in one another,” he said. “When times get tough, you have to lean on one another.”
Chandler was asked if it is too early in the season to panic.
“Absolutely, it’s still the beginning of the season,” he said. “I’m just trying to get back so I can help my team. I really feel that we can easily put together a nice winning streak, a big-time winning streak where you win eight out of 10 games or so and we’ll be in first place in our division. I think it’s definitely possible.”