The New York Knicks eked out a narrow victory over the Sacramento Kings, 106–105, in their third Summer League game on Wednesday. The team relied heavily on the impressive performance of second-round rookie Tyler Kolek, who was instrumental in securing the win.
Tyler Kolek Shines as Key Knicks Contributor
Kolek stepped up significantly, producing 21 points and eight assists, going 6-14 from the field and 3-5 from three-point range. His ability to control the game and deliver in crucial moments was a standout aspect of the Knicks’ strategy.
Rokas Jokubaitis: The Unsung Hero
However, it was Rokas Jokubaitis, the lethal Lithuanian guard, who emerged as the most underrated contributor. Having honed his skills over three seasons with Barcelona, Jokubaitis added 16 points, five assists, and two steals, shooting a perfect 7-7 from the field, including two three-pointers. His performance, marked by a +6 plus/minus, was his best of the season, signaling his readiness for more significant minutes.
Jokubaitis Eyes NBA Transition
Jokubaitis expressed his readiness to transition to the NBA and secure a spot on the Knicks roster. “With years of maturity, experience I have from Europe, I think I’m ready,” he stated, indicating his desire to join the NBA ranks. Despite his potential, the Knicks have reportedly been hesitant to offer him an NBA contract, as noted by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
Future Uncertainties for Jokubaitis
While Jokubaitis has shown he can perform at a high level, there are rumors of him potentially joining Zalgiris, a professional team in Lithuania, if opportunities in the States do not materialize.
His versatility as both a point and shooting guard makes him a valuable asset, but with the Knicks possibly needing another center and the impressive showing of Ukrainian big man Dmytro Skapintsev in the Summer League, securing a spot on the roster could be challenging.
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Looking Ahead
As the Summer League progresses, the Knicks will have to evaluate their roster needs carefully, especially considering the potential and versatility players like Jokubaitis bring to the team. His performance in the coming games could be crucial in determining his future with the Knicks or elsewhere in professional basketball.