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New York Knicks Taking Precautions Against The Mumps

By Josh Sanchez

Jan 17, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view during the game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Los Angeles Clippers won 109-94. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view during the game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Los Angeles Clippers won 109-94. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks are taking precautionary steps to keep the mumps virus from spreading from the NHL ice onto the NBA hardwood. 

If you have been following the NHL, you know that the mumps have made their way around the league. Most recently, New York Rangers winger Tanner Glass has contracted the virus and that has led to some worries from the New York Knicks.

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The Knicks and Rangers share facilities, so it is only natural for the Knicks to take precautionary steps in an effort to keep the mumps from spreading onto the NBA hardwood.

With the Rangers receiving mumps booster shots, the New York Knicks are reportedly planning to do the same.

Knicks guard J.R. Smith has an illness — being desribed as flu-like symptoms — and he will be kept away from the team for the next couple of days to see whether he is able to heal up.

“He tried to give us what he had that day,’’ head coach Derek Fisher said, via the New York Post. “He got worse the last couple of days. We’re not just allowing him to get better but kind of keeping some of the symptoms from the team as well, trying to be smart. Hopefully we’ll have him back in the next 24 to 48 hours.’’

The Post also said the New York Knicks are considering following the Rangers lead and having their own players get a mumps booster.

"The Knicks are considering giving their players mumps booster shots on a case-by-case basis, looking to take all precautions. The Knicks have all but ruled out mumps for Smith.Smith didn’t attend the morning shootaround on Tuesday. He had arrived at the facility for Monday’s practice, but was sent home by the team’s medical staff after getting treated.Coach Derek Fisher said Smith’s illness has gotten “worse’’ since he played just five minutes on Sunday against Miami."

Best case scenario: J.R. Smith doesn’t have the mumps and the NBA can stay free of the disease. Worst case scenario: The Knicks’ precautionary steps are too little, too late and the rest of the league hope the New York Knicks aren’t on their schedule.

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