Andrea Bargnani Injury: Updates on Knicks Center's Elbow and Recovery

Updates from Thursday, Jan. 30

Newsday's Al Iannazzone confirmed Andrea Bargnani's status for tonight's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers: 

Updates from Friday, Jan. 24

New York Times reporter Scott Cacciola provides an update on Bargnani's status:

Original Text

Andrea Bargnani's latest foray into Internet memedom has come with dire consequences, as the New York Knicks announced Jan. 23 that the center-forward suffered a torn left elbow ligament on a failed dunk attempt in Wednesday's 110-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The injury occurred toward the end of the third quarter, when Bargnani pump-faked Lavoy Allen and drove to the basket, attempting to finish over two 76ers defenders there to draw a charge. While Bargnani was able to avoid the charge call and got two free throws, the moment was immortalized as more unintentional comedy from the oft-derided big man.   

Now that it's been revealed that Bargnani suffered an injury, the once-riotous moment has taken a macabre feel. The Knicks did not indicate how long Bargnani would be out—indefinitely can mean a wide range in these situations—but it will be interesting to see how the team copes without its second-most prevalent big.

Bargnani is averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, but is shooting a career-low 27.8 percent from beyond the three-point arc. He's also taken criticism for his at-times lackadaisical defense, especially for missed rotations and mental gaffes on pick-and-roll coverage.

The Knicks, 15-27, have been worse on both ends of the floor when Bargnani is in, per NBA.com.

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With the latest news, it remains to be seen how Woodson will deal with the rotation. Bargnani has been starting alongside Tyson Chandler, giving New York a more traditional "big" lineup. Woodson may be forced to start Carmelo Anthony at the proverbial power forward spot in the interim, a look that worked last season but one that the coach has been hesitant to use this year.

With the Knicks' season spiraling out of control, however, this injury might give Woodson the proper motivation to switch his stance. Either way, expect big changes in the coming days as the Knicks look to replace Bargnani's nearly 30 minutes per night.

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