Knicks' Azubuike isn't close to return

Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni gave his most damning assessment of Kelenna Azubuike's status last night, as the team's worst fears are being realized that he might not be ready this season or ever play a game for the team.

"He's not ready, physically," D'Antoni said of Azubuike, who is recovering from left knee surgery. "If you watch the scrimmages, he doesn't have the pop and it's going to be a while before he gets it back. He can [play in] scrimmages, but he's not strong enough or able to go sideways or able to have an NBA physical talent level. It's just not there yet."

Azubuike has been back scrimmaging for three weeks but his game is not back. According to D'Antoni, he no longer has the explosiveness that made him so dangerous as a Golden State shooting guard. There were organizational whispers before training camp Azubuike might never get back to where he once was following one of the worst knee operations for an NBA player, patella tendon surgery. Azubuike went under the knife one year and three weeks ago.Azubuike's contract expires after the season, and if he doesn't show progress, the Knicks could open up a roster spot by releasing him after February's trade deadline. Azubuike is making $3.4 million this season.

When asked if Azubuike's now healthy, D'Antoni said, "I'm healthy, but I don't have any pop. He's just not ready. He's got to keep working on his strength. Hopefully he gets there sooner than later."