The New York Knicks lost yesterday's basketball game against the Boston Celtics, but they also lost their shooting guard Aaron Affalo at the beginning of the second half.
Afflalo started the second half of the preseason game, but it proved to be a costly mistake. Afflalo has left the game just minutes into half-time with his left hamstring tightening and giving him problems again. Although Afflalo has still not returned to game shape, this is far from an encouraging sign.
Soft tissue injuries are difficult to deal with. It could be worse than what the Knicks are claiming. Fisher said after the game that he didn't think it was a big problem, but if Afflalo has to miss time, where would the Knicks turn? Affalo's injury problem raises a number of questions. Will they give Langston Galloway and Sasha Vujacic some more time? Will they add Jimmer Fredette with the last roster spot?
The Knicks are trying to change things after a franchise worst 17-win season during the campaign 2014-15. Afflalo was one of the players that should be helping to turn that around, but people are starting to ask when he will be able to help.
If Affalo can't play next Wednesday, there are two candidates that are likely to start in his place: Sasha Vujacic and Langston Galloway. Vujacic started in his place when Affalo missed the preseason games. It seems likely that that would be the case again. Galloway's game has come a long way and he will definitely be a contributor, but Vujacic's experience in the triangle offense should be decisive.