The New York Knicks have to cut their roster from 20 to 15 players in the coming days as the regular season is set to commence on October 20 against the Boston Celtics.
With roster cuts coming up, one player who is on the bubble is Kevin Knox. Knox has seen his minutes deteriorate over the past three seasons in the NBA. After averaging 28.8 minutes during his rookie campaign back in 2018, Knox enjoyed just 11 minutes of action per contest last year, making 42 appearances. He contributed just 3.9 points and shot 39% from the field.
Unfortunately, Knox was unable to participate in Summer League ball due to COVID-19 restrictions, but he’s made his presence felt during preseason play thus far.
In the Knicks’ win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening, Knox posted 12 points, six rebounds, and shot 50% from the field. He also connected on four of six shots from three-point range, showcasing confidence and comfort from being on the arc.
“To see the first one go in was huge,’’ Knox said. “I always tell my teammates when I see the first one go in, I feel pretty good after that. I had really good looks. They got in the paint and found me.’’
Clearly, Knox was feeling good in this contest, as he showcase some of that potential he’s yet to tap into during his three-year NBA career. The 22-year-old forward needs to make an impact now, impressing head coach Tom Thibodeau before time runs out.
“Every minute matters,’’ Knox said. “That’s my mindset every game and make a statement. [Randle] was out so my minutes went up and Obi’s. When he comes back everything changes. So every minute I get I have to make the best of it.â€
The Knicks have just one preseason game left against the Detroit Pistons on October 13, presenting Knox for the final opportunity to prove his worth. The likelihood is that he spends his final year on his rookie deal with the Knicks instead of being released, but his future with the team is very much in peril if he can’t take a dramatic step forward this season.
The hope is that the veteran presence on the roster will provide Kevin with mentors and leadership to help build his confidence this upcoming season. The roster is chock-full of talent, so even earning a spot on the bench is an accomplishment.
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