CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -Jonathan Bender’s return to the NBA after being sidelined for more than three years will have to wait a few more games.
New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni deactivated Bender from Tuesday’s game against Charlotte and says he likely wouldn’t play Thursday in Chicago either.
The 7-footer is attempting a comeback from a serious right knee injury.
D’Antoni says he doesn’t want to throw Bender out there after only two practices. Bender says a workout program with former Olympic gold medal-winning high jumper Charles Austin has helped reduce the bone-on-bone pain caused by a lack of cartilage.
Bender hasn’t played since the 2005-06 season. He signed with the Knicks on Sunday.
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