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FRI Practice Report: Calderon Eyes Return

A right calf strain sidelined Jose Calderon just moments before the season opener against the Bulls on October 29.  13 games into the 2014-15 season and the marquee summer acquisition for New York might return to the lineup in the nick of time.

At Friday’s practice, Calderon participated in the entire session after spending Thursday afternoon working on conditioning at MSG Training Center.  The point guard will see how he feels following Saturday morning’s shootaround to determine his availability for the contest against Philadelphia.

“I play ten years now.  I’m going to try to get everybody organized, I’m going to pass the ball, I’m going to shoot when I’m open, I’m going to try to get everybody feeling comfortable out there,” Calderon explained.

The Knicks have adjusted the starting lineup since the opener to counter the loss of Calderon.  Shane Larkin has received a bulk of the minutes at the starting point guard spot with Pablo Prigioni jumping off the bench in relief duties.  Calderon owns career averages of 6.8 assists per game and 41 percent shooting from the 3-point line.  The return of a player with Calderon’s abilities could boost New York’s offensive output while providing head coach Derek Fisher with a close representation of the rotation he projected during training camp.

One thing is for sure; the Spaniard is itching to make his Garden debut.

“It’s more about being in street clothes and not being able to help the team,” Calderon stated.  “You will be down some days, more when the team is losing and it’s not easy.  If tomorrow I can be in uniform, it’s totally different.  I don’t know if the coaches are going to play me more or less but I’m kind of like I’m here now.  Just that will change the whole energy-mind.  I’m happy that everything is going well and I just want to start playing for the Knicks.”

Calderon’s former teammate, Andrea Bargnani was limited in practice on Friday due to the hamstring injury that has kept him out of the lineup all season.