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New York Knicks: Brandon Jennings Feels Like Himself Again

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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New York Knicks sixth man Brandon Jennings has physically recovered from rupturing his left achilles tendon. He’s finally feeling like himself again.

When the New York Knicks signed Brandon Jennings to a one-year deal worth $5 million, it was clear how badly they needed him. New York hadn’t yet signed a backup point guard to address Derrick Rose’s checkered injury history.

Couple that with Rose’s recent legal issues and the need for a healthy Jennings is even more evident than before.

Encouraging as his track record may be, there’s an obvious blemish that was the elephant in many NBA rooms. Jennings ruptured his left achilles tendon in January of 2015, which inevitably had a negative impact on his play in 2015-16.

Following a recent practice, Jennings put to rest any skepticism pertaining to whether or not he’s 100 percent.

If nothing else, Jennings is saying all the right things.

Jennings made his return from injury on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 against the New York Knicks. It was just over 11 months removed from when he suffered the injury, which is an achievement unto itself.

Jennings would go on to play 48 of a possible 53 games, missing the final four for precautionary purposes.

Jennings finished 2015-16 with averages of 6.9 points, 3.5 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 3-point field goals made in 18.1 minutes per game. He did so on a slash line of .368/.329/.731.

That lackluster production ultimately led to a vast majority of NBA organizations passing on Jennings out of fear that he hadn’t fully recovered from the injury.

New York is taking a leap of faith, which Jennings hopes to reward. He shot just 2-of-10 from the field in the preseason opener, but had four assists and a 3-point field goals in 18 minutes of action.

Jennings appears to be fine physically, which leaves the final step in his road to complete recovery being the rediscovery of his basketball form.

He’ll have another chance to do so on Saturday, October 6, when the Knicks host the cross-city rival Brooklyn Nets.

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