Published 14:12 IST, October 30th 2019
NBA: Knicks' Dennis Smith Jr and Reggie Bullock lose family members
Tragedy surrounds the New York Knicks as Dennis Smith Jr. and Reggie Bullock both lost close family members this week. Here's what David Fizdale had to say.
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New York Knicks' point guard Dennis Smith Jr. will be away till further notice after his stepmother passed away. Fans were informed about the sad news via their twitter account, on behalf of their President Steve Mills. A few days later, tragedy struck again as Reggie Bullock's sister also passed away.
NBA: Tragedy surrounds New York Knicks as Smith and Bullock lose close family members
On behalf of Knicks President, Steve Mills: Our Knicks family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Reggie Bullock & Dennis Smith Jr’s close family members. At times like this, we are reminded that life is bigger than basketball. Our thoughts are with them & their families.
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 29, 2019
Smith missed the Knicks' game against Chicago Bulls on Tuesday after the untimely passing away of his stepmother. Coach David Fizdale answered questions about the delicate situation in a post-match interview on Tuesday. He said there is no confirmed timetable for Smith's return. Even though the team hopes he will return soon, they understand that the player needs to take care and be with his family. The decision pertaining to Smith's return will be left to the player himself.
Teammate Julius Randle also talked about the situation, and how basketball players are perceived. He said that people think that NBA players earn a lot while playing their favourite game and do not have any feelings. However, Randle responded by saying that the reality is not so, and the situation is the exact opposite.
Bullock, whose sister passed away shortly after Smith's stepmother, has previously lost his transgender sister to still-unsolved murder in Baltimore in 2014. After her passing away, Bullock was vocal about his support to the LGBTQ+ community. It is unclear as to when both players will return to play. Knicks have their next game on Thursday, October 31 against Orlando Magic.
09:22 IST, October 30th 2019