New York Notes: Achiuwa, McBride, Hart, Johnson, Hayes

Precious Achiuwa struck an optimistic tone regarding his hamstring injury. A video posted by New York Basketball (Twitter link) states: Curtsy The big man called it a “minor setback.”

“We will come back better and stronger. It's just a small setback,” he said. “We still have the same agenda. We will come back much stronger…We have a goal to achieve this year.”

Achiuwa has a left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in two to four weeks.

We have more on the New York teams:

• Miles McBride and Achiuwa are the logical alternatives for the starting five if the Curtsy decide to do Josh Hart a sixth man, according to Peter Botte of the New York Post. With Achiuwa injured, the Knicks could make a temporary move Jericho Sims if they want to use a larger starting lineup. Hart expressed some uncertainty about his role in New York's new-look lineup at the end of the preseason.
• Cameron Johnsonwho is entering the second year of a four-year, $94 million contract, is a logical trade candidate. Johnson has tried to put that possibility out of his mind as the season opener approaches networks said forward Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “I was able to feel comfortable with what was going on.” he said. “And despite the uncertainty, it's not an uncertainty where I don't think our staff here, our front office here, lacks confidence in me. So I feel confident in this group. I am confident for the future. And I will compete for this team. And it doesn’t bother me at all.”
• The networks waived Killian Hayes On Saturday he will stay with the organization at least for a short time, adds Botte. Hayes, who did not play in any preseason games due to a hip injury, will rehab with the team's G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. He is expected to play for them after clearing waivers.