NEW YORK — A CT scan confirmed New York Knicks guard Chasson Randle suffered a left orbital fracture, the team announced on Saturday. He will be re-evaluated on Monday.
Randle’s play ignited the Knicks’ Orlando Summer League team, and he is competing with Ron Baker for the team’s third point guard position. New York coach Jeff Hornacek said the injury won’t hurt his chances at making the roster.
“I don’t think it hurts it at all. We understand what it is, what he can give us as a player,” Hornacek told reporters after open practice at Madison Square Garden. “It would have been nice to see him, put him against Isaiah (Thomas), we play these two Boston games, and see what he can do. But again, we have a pretty good feel for him.”
It’s already a long shot for either Randle or Baker to make the team.
NBA teams are only allowed 15 guaranteed contracts into the regular season. New York used its final roster spot to re-sign power forward Lou Amundson to a guaranteed one-year deal.
The Knicks can only add another guard by waiving or trading one of their players. Randle scored 14 points in New York’s preseason win over Brooklyn, and Hornacek still says he likes what he’s seen from his rookie guard.
“I think Chasson’s done great. We’ve seen great things from him in what he can do. He’s got a great knack for the game,” he said. “I’m sure he’s bummed out he’s got to be out for a little bit. Hopefully the doctors can make a mask for him so he’ll get back quickly. He’s just gonna keep plugging along. I’ve been impressed with what he’s done so far.”
Kristian Winfield covers the New York Knicks for Elite Sports NY. You can start the conversation on Twitter @Krisplashed.
