Joakim Noah admittedly is a “step slow” since suffering recent hamstring and ankle injuries. Derrick Rose has practiced with the Knicks just twice since returning from his civil trial for rape in Los Angeles.
The time the team had to integrate its prized new additions is just about over, with the Knicks going the entire preseason without their starting lineup ever playing together. So, as eager as the team is to open the season Tuesday night against the defending champion Cavaliers, the Knicks already are tempering expectations.
“We’ve played a few games and practiced together but it’s gonna take us some time to actually figure this whole thing out,” Kristaps Porzingis said following Sunday’s practice.