The general consensus at the point guard position for the New York Knicks is that Dennis Smith Jr. will emerge as the starting player. The third-year option has worked all offseason on his shooting form with coach Keith Smart, ensuring he enters the 2019-20 season with an improved perimeter shot.
However, beyond Smith Jr., the Knicks have Elfrid Payton, Frank Ntilikina, and Kadeem Allen all vying for roster spots. Allen, one of the least talked about point guards, could steal the role right out from under Payton and Ntilikina.
“Just trying to show coach that I can compete at the highest level and I can play at the highest level,” Allen said of his goals entering the season. “Just trying to get out there and earn a permanent roster spot.”
How has Kadeem Allen looked for the New York Knicks?
During the Summer League, Allen averaged 8 points, four assists, and 1.6 steals per game. The Knicks finished 2-3 during the period, but he showed enough to be considered as a potential backup option. Last year, he averaged 9.9 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 21 games.
Allen’s priority isn’t offense, though, as his defense is one of his premier qualities, something the Knicks will likely need in 2019. The only issue is Ntilikina, who is also strong in that category but isn’t as offensively proficient.
“That’s what I was drafted for – defense. Defense is my calling. I never question myself and I feel like I never really get questioned on that side of the floor. I’m just going to keep doing what I do. Play defense and just try to get my teammates better.”
Kadeem is keen on fighting his way to the top, starting at a JUCO team and sitting as a redshirt player at Arizona. Considering he’s found his way onto an NBA roster after such hardships, there’s no question he has the grit to reach the starting unit. He will have to overcome the uber-athletic Dennis Smith Jr., though, a tall task at this point in his career.