Curry returns Friday, but Robinson stays on bench
Photo credit: AP | New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson (2) talks to teammate Eddy Curry, who is out with an injury, as they sit on the bench during the Knicks' 93-84 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. (December 7, 2009)
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Knicks 93, Trail Blazers 84
GREENBURGH, N.Y. - He's back.
No, we're not talking about Nate Robinson. We're talking about Eddy Curry. The Knicks' oft-injured center looked good in practice Thursday and likely will play his first game since Nov. 24 when the Knicks visit New Orleans Friday night.
Robinson, his diminutive teammate, also looked good in practice, according to coach Mike D'Antoni. Robinson, however, will remain tethered to the bench. "I'm not going to switch up anything," D'Antoni said when asked about Robinson's status.
Yes, the gate remains shut on Nate as he will record his fifth straight "DNP-coach's decision" Friday night. Robinson was not eager to talk after practice. When asked how he is doing, he managed to yell "hanging in there" before rushing off the court.
It's understandable that D'Antoni isn't eager to bring Robinson back when the Knicks (7-15) are playing their best basketball of the season without him. The Knicks have won three straight games and are headed into a stretch against sub-.500 teams that could help them climb into the playoff picture.
No single incident has been cited for Robinson's benching, though there are plenty to choose from, including a Nov. 21 game against the Nets when he got so out of control that he shot at his own basket (and hit a three-pointer) just after the buzzer sounded to end the first quarter.
Yet D'Antoni is willing to shake things up enough to bring back Curry, who has missed eight games since banging his knee in a loss to the Lakers. Curry has played in four games after recovering from leg injuries and getting in shape. He has slimmed down considerably, and the Knicks - who are owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday - are eager to get him on the floor so he can increase his trade value.
"You always have concerns," D'Antoni said about working another player back into the rotation. "We have to do it, but we'll piecemeal him in. We'll try to find him a spot."
Robinson's spot already has been found - next to the assistant coaches on the bench.
