New York Knicks Injury Rumors, Latest News: Cleanthony Early Finally Back in Active Roster
When New York Knicks small forward Cleanthony Early got shot in the knee during a robbery outside a club last December, there was major doubt if he ever could make a return this season. But during the Knicks' game against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, his name was included in the list of active players.
In a report from the NY Daily News, Early was wounded in his right leg, but the bullet when through and didn't cause any structural damage. Unlike most other professional athletes who come into the spotlights with off-court issues like this, Early managed to be silent about all of it.
Seeing him in uniform once again is welcoming news with regards to a young man whose career was just about to take off when the shooting incident happened. Likewise, the Knicks need him at this point, although the team is expected to give him some time first in the D-League. Several players came in unavailable in Sunday's 88-80 defeat to the Kings, including Carmelo Anthony who reportedly was suffering from a migraine headache. Kevin Seraphin and Lance Thomas also didn't play due to separate injuries.
The Knicks selected Early as the 34th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft, but he found himself getting assigned several times with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA Development League during his rookie season. His NBA career high is 18 points, during a regular season game against the Los Angeles Clippers in March.
The shooting incident took place while Early and his girlfriend was inside an Uber car just outside a strip club. A group of individuals in masks forced the player to give up his iPhone, a couple of gold chains, and even the gold caps in his teeth. Just before leaving, one of the robbers decided it was better to shoot him in the knee. The wound didn't need surgery and Early had an amazing recovery, quickly getting back to practice, though he had limited movement for some time.
