The Knicks are in desperate need of somebody to pick up the scoring slack, and their second-best option is anticipating a return to the court this week.
Arron Afflalo, the hamstrung shooting guard who hasn’t played since signing a two-year, $16 million contract, said he’s progressing toward a debut during next week’s road trip to Toronto (Tuesday) and Charlotte (Wednesday).
The 30-year-old, who averaged a career-high 18.2 points three seasons ago in Orlando, wouldn’t rule out Sunday’s game against the Lakers at the Garden. But he sounded doubtful about such a quick turnaround.
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“They’re going to put me through some extreme tests (Saturday) to see how I respond. I will say that I will be out there within a week for sure,” he said. “I think I can confidently say that from our discussions, and based on where I’m at. I can’t say Sunday for sure, but I am anticipating trying to get out there this road trip.”
Afflalo re-strained his hamstring in the final game of preseason, following the original injury on the second day of training camp.
The Knicks’ offense has struggled during their three-game losing streak, failing each time to crack the 100-point mark.
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Afflalo could provide a boost.
“I’m hoping it’ll help. I believe it’ll help,” Carmelo Anthony said. “He’s another threat offensively and defensively. But we’ll see when he comes back because we still have to incorporate him into what we’re doing.
“So we’re just looking forward to that.”