The struggling Knicks are clinging to any shred of good news they can, so here is one: Tyson Chandler is kind of, sort of almost on schedule.
After suffering a fractured right fibula on Nov. 5, Chandler was expected to miss four to six weeks. Wednesday will mark five weeks from that diagnosis, and though he’s still several steps away from playing, he did at least participate in non-contact drills on Monday.
“It feels good just to be back on the floor and part of practice, try and help the guys out and get myself in some better condition,’’ Chandler said. “I’m very encouraged, because like I said it’s a step closer to getting back out on the court. I didn’t lose as much conditioning as I thought I would have. And I did fairly well today for the first time being back on the court, so you know that’s a positive.
“Today was just kind of like a conditioning day, being on the floor, trying to get my timing back, and some light work, minimum contact. The next couple steps are really getting on the floor and practicing and trying to simulate game speed.’’
When Chandler was asked if he expected to play before New Year’s Day, he replied: “No I’m hoping before that. If I can just get my practice time and timing, and I feel like I’m able to protect myself out there, then I want to get back out there.’’
Wednesday marks five weeks from Chandler’s initial diagnosis, and New Year’s Day would represent the eight-week mark.
“[We] had Tyson for a lot of the conditioning work at the top of practice, and now he’s doing a little bit of banging,’’ said coach Mike Woodson. “We didn’t have him go through the scrimmage yet. We’ll see how this goes and then see where he is tomorrow once he goes to sleep and sleeps on it.
“It’s very encouraging. We’ve just got to make sure he doesn’t have any setbacks. This is the fifth week, Friday will be five weeks, so we’re right on schedule.’’
The Knicks are 4-11 without Chandler, and their defense has been a sieve.
“Like I said when I get back healthy and I’m on the court I know I give my team a better chance,’’ said Chandler. “And even when I’m not out there we have a chance to make some ground up our next couple of games.”
Kenyon Martin (ankle) didn’t play against Boston, a late scratch that threw Woodson’s rotation into flux. But the Knicks hope the veteran forward can suit up in Cleveland on Tuesday, even though he didn’t practice Monday.
J.R. Smith joined Chandler in sitting out contact Monday, but Smith is expected to play against the Cavs.