Yabusele Shrugs Off Weight Debate as Knicks Face Shamet Injury, Roster Questions
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NEW YORK — Forward Guerschon Yabusele says concerns about his weight are misplaced, insisting he has not added pounds since leaving Philadelphia for the Knicks last summer.
“If you check my weight from last year, it’s the same,” Yabusele told reporters. “Last year it wasn’t a problem, so why is it a problem this year? I actually weigh less than last year.”
The Knicks list the 29-year-old at 283 pounds, one of the NBA’s highest figures. Some websites carried a 265-pound listing a season ago, but the 76ers’ media guide had him at 279.
Production has slipped in his first 15 games with New York. Yabusele is averaging 2.7 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.5 minutes, shooting 34.9 percent from the field, 27.6 percent from three and 50.0 percent at the line.
“I’m not focused on that,” he said of the public scrutiny. “I feel good and in great shape.”
Shamet Out at Least Four Weeks
Shooting guard Landry Shamet will miss a minimum of four weeks with a right shoulder sprain. Despite his non-guaranteed deal, SNY’s Ian Begley reports the Knicks are unlikely to waive him because injured players must be paid throughout their recovery.
Head coach Mike Brown endorsed keeping the 28-year-old on the roster. “Landry is a really big part of what we’re doing,” Brown said. “I’d give up my salary for him.”
Hart Tweaks Jumper With Splint
Guard Josh Hart credited shooting coach Peter Patton for refining his form while he continues to wear a splint on his right ring finger. Hart said the pair made “small tweaks” to smooth out his release.
Trade Market Priorities
The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III wrote that New York’s most pressing need is a reliable backup point guard, ranking it above frontcourt depth issues at center and power forward. He identified Yabusele, Miles McBride and several younger players as the most likely trade chips.
Source: Hoops Rumors
