The New York Knicks have yet to clear OG Anunoby to return from practice as he recovers from an elbow injury, but he expressed optimism about his recovery process. He is confident about rejoining the team on the court before the regular season concludes and in time for the NBA playoffs.

“Yeah, it definitely sucks, but just trying to get better as fast as possible and then be ready for the rest of the season,” Anunoby said on Tuesday. “Just following the doctor’s orders, following the medical staff, just progressing day by day. But I’m feeling better and better, so yeah, I want to be back as soon as possible, for sure.”

Since being traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Knicks in late December, Anunoby provided a major impact on the team’s performance, with the Knicks going 12-2 in the 14 games he participated in. His last game before the injury was a victory against the Miami Heat on January 27 — the same game Julius Randle suffered a shoulder injury that has since kept him sidelined.

“Oh yeah, it’s unlucky timing for the whole team. But next man up,” Anunoby said. “Everyone’s been stepping up. Jericho [Sims], Precious [Achiuwa] have been really good. Bogie [Bojan Bogdanovic] and Alec [Burks] coming in [via deadline trade with the Pistons]. We have a great team. … I’m definitely excited to get back. I think the whole team is excited to play together again and go on another run.”

Anunoby remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, highlighting contributions from teammates and expressing excitement about returning to play. On Feb. 8, the Knicks announced that Anunoby underwent surgery to remove a bone fragment from his right elbow, with plans to reevaluate his condition in three weeks. Anunoby shared that after attempting various treatments, surgery was deemed the most effective solution to ensure a full recovery.

“Yeah, we tried other options. We tried rest. We tried treatment stuff. We tried strengthening it,” Anunoby said. “But I think everyone agreed this would be the best option to be 100 percent moving forward.”

Anunoby clarified that this elbow issue is a recent development, with swelling occurring before the Knicks’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 29, not something that lingered before the trade.

“No, earlier in my career, no. Elbow was sore, but I didn’t think anything of it,” Anunoby said. “I never thought anything of it, and then it just started swelling up, my elbow. I don’t know exactly what happened or what led to it feeling like it did in Charlotte.”

Coach Tom Thibodeau noted Anunoby’s rehabilitation progress, including cardiovascular work and non-basketball activities, but mentioned that Anunoby is not yet cleared for on-court activities. Thibodeau is optimistic about Anunoby’s recovery, anticipating the next phase to involve shooting practice and, ultimately, a return to full participation.