With the New York Knicks beginning their Summer League games starting Friday (against Zion Williamson no less), I wanted to take a look at the roster and ask some pertinent questions. Here’s hoping for an exciting Summer League!
Knicks Summer League Roster:
- Tim Bond, G, Eastern Michigan
- Amir Hinton, G, Shaw University
- Zak Irvin, G, Michigan
- Lamar Peters, G, Mississippi State
- Speedy Smith, G, Louisiana Tech
- Allonzo Trier, G, Arizona
- VJ King, F, Louisville
- R.J. Barrett, G/F, Duke
- Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
- Ignas Bradzeikis, F, Michigan
- Kris Wilkes, F, UCLA
- Henry Ellenson, F/C, Marquette
- Kenny Wooten, F/C, Oregon
- Tyler Cavanaugh, F/C, George Washington
- Mitchell Robinson, C, Chalmette HS
How Will RJ Barrett Perform?
The question on the forefront of everyone’s minds is what third overall pick RJ Barrett will do in Las Vegas. In the past, Knicks first round picks have stood out in Summer League, and Barrett should be no different, as he will be facing competition that is likely not up to par. I fully expect the young star to wow, but if he doesn’t, it’s totally fine. No player’s amount of success in Summer League, or lack thereof, is a guarantee of what he will be at the next level, and Barrett is no different.Â
Will We See Improvement from the Sophomores?
The two players that Scott Perry selected in his first draft, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson, as well as UDFA Allonzo Trier, will all be on this year’s Summer League Roster. After each showing flashes of promise as rookies, it is time to see whether the several months of training has paid off and whether these three players can take a step forward. It would certainly be disappointing to see these guys struggle in the Summer League since the competition is so weak.
Who Comes Out Of Nowhere?
Summer League is also a great opportunity for players who were overlooked stand out. The Knicks have several potential breakout candidates on this year’s squad. Two-way player Kris Wilkes of UCLA has all the talent in the world, and could easily outperform expectations. Keep an eye on UDFA Amir Hinton, Division Two’s leading scorer last season. Hinton, who played at Shaw University, averaged 29 points per game last season.
Can Iggy Bradzeikis Follow the Mitchell Robinson Path?
Last year’s second round pick, Mitchell Robinson, had an up-and-down Summer League and left most thinking he’d spend a good amount of time in the G League. However, he clearly showed promise, and ultimately was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team. This year’s second rounder, Michigan’s Ignas Brazdeikis, will be attempting to earn minutes on the Knicks NBA squad despite a loaded frontcourt. He’ll be a full go for Summer League, and it will be interesting to see if he shows enough promise to excite Knicks fans. It won’t take much, Iggy.
Can the Knicks Win The Whole Thing?
Bovada gave the Knicks the best odds to win the Summer League Championship, at ten-to-one. With a roster that is loaded with young talent, winning the title seems feasible, if not likely. After the Lottery and Free Agency, Knicks fans could use a morale boost. Let’s go win it all.