More than five months later, Reggie Bullock says he is “150 percent healthy.”
The 3-point threat is likely to finally make his Knicks debut in Wednesday night’s home game against the Trail Blazers after undergoing spinal fusion surgery soon after signing as a free agent in July.
“I’m very excited. The injury is something that’s behind me. I’m no longer talking about it anymore. I’m just focused on basketball and being back here with my team,” said Bullock, who also had to deal with the tragic shooting death of his sister in Baltimore in November. “The Knicks have done a great job of helping me out through the whole thing, with my family situations and everything.
“It’s been a strong family support from them and they’ve allowed me to just focus on my recovery. Basketball has been my main focus over these last few months and it’s going to continue to stay that way for the rest of the season.”
The 28-year-old Bullock — a 39 percent shooter from 3-point range during a six-year NBA career — initially inked a two-year deal worth $21 million with the Knicks in July. The contract was reworked to a one-year arrangement for $4 million after Bullock failed a physical and it was determined he needed surgery. He added the five-month recovery prognosis “definitely seemed far away” at the time, but “it’s here now and I’m excited.”
“His abilities I think will impact both sides of the ball,” interim coach Mike Miller said. “With what we’ve seen when he’s been out here, No. 1 he’s a high basketball IQ guy. He’s a good defender. He adds more length. He’s a versatile defender. He has good awareness off the ball. And then the offensive stuff.”
“Obviously, he shoots the ball really well and really has a good skill package.”
Bullock, Kevin Knox (illness) and Ignas Brazdeikis (illness) all have been listed as probable against the Blazers. Damyean Dotson (sore lower back), Frank Ntilikina (sore groin) and Dennis Smith Jr. (strained left oblique) are questionable.
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