Knicks' center Luke Kornet underwent an MRI that confirmed a left ankle sprain with a bone bruise, the team announced on Tuesday. Kornet is in a walking boot and will begin his rehab immediately.
Kornet will be reevaluated over the weekend, the Knicks also announced. Though this signals high hopes for a quick recovery, head coach David Fitzdale confirmed on Tuesday that Kornet will likely miss at least a couple of weeks, per The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov. Fitzdale also added he is leaning towards starting Enes Kanter to take Kornet's place.
Kanter recently expressed his displeasure with being demoted in the playing rotation for younger players, like 23-year-old Kornet. Getting more playing time due to Kornet's injury could deter Kanter from being traded. If Kornet's ankle does not heal by the Feb. 8 trade deadline, it's possible Kanter will remain in New York.
Fitzdale and the Knicks have made it clear they want to spend time growing their younger players, a scenario in which the 26-year-old Kanter has no place. New York could still explore market options for potential deals involving the veteran.