Knicks center Jerome James tried to hobble through wind sprints, but it was a futile effort. Right up until yesterday, even with the frustration of not being able to demonstrate all the hard work he put in over the summer to get in shape, James has maintained his high spirits and unflagging confidence.

But after having an MRI test Tuesday night, James sounded confused yesterday, and a bit despondent, about his prospects of getting back on the court anytime soon.

He said he received no information about when he can play from Lisa Callahan, the Knicks' director of player care who originally diagnosed a partially torn plantar fascia in James' right foot after he stepped on Channing Frye's foot on the first day of practice.

"I don't know, you're going to have to talk to her," he said. "She said something about a cyst, she said something about something else. I don't know what she's talking about. I just want her to tell me I can play basketball."

When the normally affable James was asked if he thought he would be able to play in any of the Knicks' exhibition games, he paused.

"Guys, I can't answer any of these questions," he said, and then walked away, clearly upset.