Knicks Rookie Kevin McCullar Jr. Receives Game Ball After NBA Debut
In an unprecedented game for the New York Knicks, witnessing two players achieve triple-doubles for the first time in franchise history, the coveted game ball was instead presented to a first-year player who logged two points in a mere three minutes of play. This noteworthy event highlighted the debut of Kevin McCullar Jr.
McCullar’s Journey to the NBA Court
It was a lengthy and demanding journey for Kevin McCullar Jr., who had been out of action for approximately a year due to a knee ailment. His perseverance culminated in his NBA debut during Tuesday’s commanding 128-113 triumph over the Mavericks.
Hart’s Gesture of Sportsmanship
The 56th overall selection in last year’s draft was presented with the game ball by Josh Hart. Hart, who himself had just surpassed Clyde Frazier’s franchise record for most triple-doubles in a single season, had a compelling rationale for bestowing the honor upon McCullar.
“For me, it’s a simple choice,” Hart stated. “That record is special and a blessing, but ultimately, records are meant to be broken. Hopefully, in the distant future rather than immediately. But it will be surpassed eventually. Achieving your initial NBA points is an indelible milestone. It was crucial for him to experience that and be recognized with the game ball. It was an obvious decision in my view.”
McCullar, a 24-year-old wing player from Kansas, expressed his gratitude for the acknowledgement and the significance of the occasion.
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“It has been challenging, but I maintained a positive mindset. Everyone here has been supportive, and I am simply happy to be competing again,” McCullar commented, further adding, “Hardship shapes your character, and everyone encounters it in various aspects of life. … Growing up, basketball has been my constant passion.”
McCullar was a late addition to Tuesday’s active roster, marking his first inclusion on an NBA game-day lineup.
Mitchell Robinson’s Injury Management Protocol
Mitchell Robinson continues to be restricted from participating in both games of back-to-back sets. As a result, the center was marked as did not play (DNP) for Tuesday’s contest against the Mavericks.
Officially, Robinson, who missed ten months recovering from ankle surgery, was listed on the injury report under injury management protocols.
The anticipation is for him to participate in Wednesday evening’s game against the Clippers.
This marked the third instance of Robinson missing one game of a back-to-back sequence.
With four more back-to-back sets remaining on the schedule, Coach Tom Thibodeau offered limited insight into whether these limitations would be lifted.
“We are observing and assessing his progress,” Thibodeau stated. “There are established guidelines we are attempting to adhere to, and we will proceed accordingly. We will monitor the situation as it unfolds.”
Robinson’s playing time has also been gradually increased since his return, operating under a steadily easing minutes restriction.
Miles McBride Misses Second Game Due to Injury
Miles McBride was absent for his second consecutive game resulting from a groin contusion, an injury he sustained during Wednesday’s defeat to the Spurs.
Despite this, McBride had played 36 minutes the subsequent day in Charlotte.
Subsequently, the injury escalated to a degree that necessitated his absence from successive games.
Thibodeau evaded a direct response when questioned about this progression.
“It’s just a day-to-day evaluation,” the coach responded. “We’ll see how he responds.”