A Journey Through the G League
T.J. Warren’s basketball journey has taken him full circle. In the 2014-15 season, the then-first-round pick by the Phoenix Suns found himself playing for the Bakersfield Jam of the G League, seeking valuable in-game experience. Ten years later, Warren is back in the G League, but this time, his return is driven by a different set of circumstances. After a series of setbacks, including a stress fracture in his foot that sidelined him for most of two seasons and required three major surgeries, Warren is now with the Westchester Knicks, using the G League as a platform to regain his form and prove his health. "It’s been a blessing," Warren said in a recent interview with SNY. "I just wanted to get some reps and get back into the flow of playing basketball again. It’s been great being out here, mentoring the younger players, and teaching them the right way."
A Resilient Return
Warren’s path back to the court has been marked by his resilience and determination. Just months after averaging an impressive 31 points per game in the NBA bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was dealt a significant blow with his foot injury. The road to recovery was long and arduous, involving multiple surgeries and a lot of downtime. When he finally returned to the court in the 2022-23 season, playing for both the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns, Warren found himself facing new challenges. After the Suns traded Kevin Durant, Warren felt "a bit lost in the shuffle" as teams realigned their priorities. Undeterred, he entered this season with a clear goal: to show the league that he was healthy and capable of playing regular minutes. "Mission accomplished," he said. Warren has set Westchester’s single-game scoring record with a 47-point performance against Canton and helped the team win its second consecutive G League Cup. His current averages of 24.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 37 minutes per game are a testament to his return to form and his continued passion for the game.
The Value of Mentorship
Warren’s role in the G League extends beyond his on-court performance. He has embraced the opportunity to mentor younger players, a responsibility he takes seriously. "A lot of guys come up to me saying they were watching me when they were in high school and college. It’s surreal to hear that, but it shows how long I’ve been doing this," Warren shared. His approach to mentorship is grounded in his own experiences and the lessons he has learned over the years. "I try to share my knowledge with them, emphasizing the importance of a consistent mindset and the idea that every day matters. Basketball is a long season, and there are bound to be ups and downs. It’s crucial to stay positive and keep working," he elaborated. Warren also focuses on building confidence in his teammates. "I see a lot of young guys get down on themselves and lose confidence. I remind them to stay aggressive, stay in tune, and give it their all on both ends of the court," he said. His impact on the young players has not gone unnoticed, earning him the respect of coaches and fellow players alike.
A Knockout Performance
Warren’s time with the Westchester Knicks has been a standout performance. He has not only showcased his scoring prowess but also demonstrated his versatility and leadership. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has been impressed with Warren’s efforts. "I have a lot of respect for what he’s doing. He’s had a terrific year and he’s been great down there. For our young guys to watch somebody like that, who loves the game, is a great teammate, and obviously has been terrific on the floor, it’s invaluable," Thibodeau said. Warren’s high shooting percentages—58 percent from two-point range and 37 percent from three-point range—have been a highlight of his return. "I feel great. I wanted to show everyone that I’m healthy and can contribute both on and off the court," Warren stated. His consistent performance and positive attitude have made him a strong candidate for the Knicks’ open roster spot, a move that would bring him a step closer to his ultimate goal of returning to the NBA.
Eyes on the Prize
Despite the ups and downs, Warren remains focused on his ultimate goal: getting back to the NBA. "Absolutely, that’s everyone’s goal in the G League—to get to the high level. For myself, I definitely want to get back to where I belong. But I’m just taking it one day at a time and controlling what I can," he said. The G League has provided Warren with the perfect environment to showcase his health and skills while allowing him to stay engaged with the game he loves. "I love basketball, so any type of basketball, sign me up. I want to play," Warren emphasized. His performance and leadership have caught the attention of the Knicks, and he is among the players the team is considering for their open roster spot. Whether or not he gets the nod, Warren’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.
The Knicks’ Roster Considerations
The New York Knicks have an open roster spot and the financial flexibility to add a veteran player. Warren and Westchester teammate Chuma Okeke are among the players on the Knicks’ radar. Coach Thibodeau has praised both players, highlighting the importance of their presence in the G League. "It’s great for our young guys to see how a professional handles himself, how he prepares, and how he performs every day," Thibodeau noted. The decision to bring Warren to the NBA squad will likely hinge on his continued performance and the team’s assessment of his health. "We’ll see what the future holds," Warren said optimistically, staying true to his one-day-at-a-time philosophy. His dedication to the game and his team has earned him a place at the forefront of the Knicks’ considerations, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if he makes the jump.
Looking Ahead for Mitchell Robinson
While Warren’s return to the court has been a steady and positive story, Knicks fans have also been following the progress of Mitchell Robinson closely. After numerous timelines and projections, there is finally a glimmer of hope for Robinson’s season debut. Robinson has been participating in practices without issues since the All-Star break, and Coach Thibodeau has been cautiously optimistic about his return. "Mitch did a lot in Tuesday’s practice. His return will depend on how he feels the next morning," Thibodeau said. Robinson is not scheduled to play in the game against Philadelphia on Wednesday, but there is a good chance he could return against Memphis on Friday or Miami on Sunday. The Knicks and their fans are hoping that this weekend will finally see the return of Robinson, a key player whose presence on the court is sorely missed.
