Cleanthony Early leaves hospital, may visit Knicks at practice

Cleanthony Early was shot in his right knee during a robbery in Queens early Wednesday morning. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Cleanthony Early was released from the hospital Saturday and could visit the Knicks’ practice facility Monday.
Early was shot in the right knee after being robbed in Queens after three cars boxed in the Uber car in which he and his girlfriend were riding early Wednesday morning. Early was fortunate to escape serious injury. He doesn’t require surgery on the knee, but there’s no timetable for his return.
“He’s been released to go home, and that’s all good,” said Derek Fisher, who wouldn’t address when Early could be back practicing.
“I think right now is not the time for us to get into those discussions,” he said.
Langston Galloway, one of Early’s closest friends on the team, said he planned to visit Early at home after Sunday’s game. Galloway also said Early told him he will be at the practice facility Monday. Early probably will meet with team doctors.
Galloway called what happened “crazy” and “scary.” He was relieved that Early didn’t suffer life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
Said Galloway, “He was blessed.”
Ten-day contract talks
Teams can start signing players to 10-day contracts Tuesday. The Knicks have an open roster spot and uncertainty regarding Early. Fisher made it sound as if nothing is brewing but that management is open to adding someone.
“I’m sure it’s something they’re looking at or considering,” Fisher said, “but I haven’t been involved in those conversations just yet.”
The Knicks were successful with 10-day players last season, signing Galloway, Lance Thomas and Lou Amundson.
No Hardaway Jr. sighting
Former Knick Tim Hardaway Jr. was recalled from the D-League but wasn’t with Atlanta on Sunday after playing Saturday night for the Austin Spurs.
Hardaway, whom the Knicks sent to Atlanta for Jerian Grant, has been out of the Hawks’ rotation anyway. He has played only 44 minutes in four games.