The sophomore jinx has leveled Knicks combo guard Ron Baker.
Baker’s season is in jeopardy after the Knicks announced Wednesday he’s “out indefinitely” with a dislocated right shoulder and torn labrum following an MRI exam. If he has surgery, according to medical experts, it would take him three months to recover.
Baker, whose rookie performance netted him a two-year, $8.9 million contract, was injured Tuesday defending Nets forward DeMarre Carroll when he slapped at the ball, causing his shoulder to dislocate.
Coach Jeff Hornacek said Baker hasn’t decided whether to rehab the injury or have surgery.
“It’s been a tough year for him,’’ Hornacek said before the Knicks’ 103-73 loss to the Celtics. “Some of that is the guy plays extremely hard. When you play hard like that, you’re going to get bumps, bruises and he’s had a few major things. I don’t think that’s going to stop him when he comes back from playing the same way.’’
Asked if he was gone for the season, Hornacek said he hadn’t heard yet because Baker is “still trying to figure out what the next step.”
Baker already was playing in a mask because of a broken cheekbone sustained Dec. 30 in New Orleans, where he tried to block a dunk attempt by 7-foot star Anthony Davis.
“That’s a tough break for him and for us,’’ Hornacek said. “He’s one of our guys who play extremely hard, how we want to play. It seemed freakish. It looked like [Baker] hit the ball. Ron’s a tough kid. He’ll battle through it with rehab or surgery, whatever he needs to do to get it right.’’
It’s been a season of missteps for Baker, who missed part of training camp because of a badly sprained ankle suffered in voluntary workouts on Labor Day.
Earlier this season he sustained a sprained shoulder and missed more time. Baker recently has been in the rotation and has played 29 games.
Baker, whom Phil Jackson cited after last season for his physical defense, drew lavish praise from Enes Kanter nine days ago after a blowout loss against the Lakers. Kanter said Baker’s grittiness makes him a role model for his teammates to follow.
Baker has an opt-out clause, but after his injury-marred second year, he does not look to be in a position to use it.
Exiled center Joakim Noah is not expected to join the team until after the Feb. 8 trade deadline as the club looks to see if they can move his contract.
Hornacek still was claiming he “was not sure yet’’ if he would see Noah in Milwaukee as the two are amidst a feud over his playing time in Golden State last week. There are strong indications Noah will not rejoin the club this season.
Enes Kanter added another three stitches to his collection after getting hit in the mouth Wednesday, but still came close to posting a second straight 20-20 game. Kanter, who received eight stitches at Monday’s practice, finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is still on a minutes restriction, especially in back-to-back games.
At the end of their Western Conference trip Friday, Hornacek said Hardaway would be back to full bore after returning 2 ½ weeks ago from a stress reaction in his left leg. Nevertheless, Hornacek said he misinterpreted a conversation he had with the trainers.
“He still can’t play big, big minutes on a back-to-back,’’ Hornacek said. “I misunderstood trainers last week. I thought he was done with that [when they said] he’s free to go. I thought he was free altogether.’’
Hardaway played 27 minutes against the Celtics, finishing with just four points on 1-of-10 shooting.