It’s been a long offseason for newly re-signed New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith. In addition to inking his new contract, Smith got into a verbal war with Brooklyn Nets swingman Paul Pierce and also went under the knife to repair his left patella tendon and lateral meniscus.
Unfortunately, the rehab process hasn’t been going so well as Smith is still experiencing swelling in his knee and his status for the Knicks season opener is in doubt.
Per ESPN New York:
"The initial recovery time for Smith’s surgery, which was performed by team orthopedist Dr. Answorth Allen, was approximately 12 to 16 weeks. That meant Smith would likely miss part of training camp and the beginning of the regular season.The Knicks open the season Oct. 30 at home against Milwaukee. At this point, Smith isn’t sure if he’ll be ready to go by then.“I want to get out there as soon as possible. I know they’re going to make sure I come back healthy, 100 percent so I don’t re-injure it or make it worse,” Smith said at a PGA Foundation golf clinic at Chelsea Piers for the New York/New Jersey Boys & Girls Club. Smith said there is still swelling in his knee."