The New York Knicks have a ton of point guards to choose from but no established playmakers. Finding a superstar player at the position has been extremely difficult for the Knicks, and it hasn’t been for the lack of trying. They have spent draft capital and free agency money to acquire many different players, but they’re still looking for the perfect one. However, they might have found their answer and UDFA Myles Powell.
The list of PGs goes on and on, and there’s plenty of talent to choose from but more untapped potential. I believe Elfrid Payton and Frank Ntilikina will be the first choice PGs this upcoming season, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Powell earn serious minutes down the line.
Here’s a list of all the New York Knicks’ point guards:
-Frank Ntilikina
-Elfrid Payton
-Dennis Smith, Jr.
-Myles Powell
-Immanuel Quickley
-Jared Harper
-Austin Rivers
There are a few notable attributes to be aware of regarding Powell, the former Seton Hall stand out. At 6-foot-2, Powell was a three-year starter at Seton Hall, averaging 21 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists during his senior campaign. He literally carried Seton Hall in the Big East, leaving historical marks on their franchise. He was a major reason for the college’s resurgence, with the team winning 20+ games and all four seasons Powell was available.
Luckily, he is good friends with Obi Toppin, the eighth overall pick for the Knicks this past NBA draft. There’s a lot to like when it comes to the young point guard, who is a lethal scorer and fearless competitor. His ability to drive the lane with fantastic vision and heave up shots without thinking twice make him a dangerous threat on offense. One of my favorite aspects about him is his ability to play nonstop basketball, needing minimal rest. He’s the definition of a gamer.
His primary issue is defense, considering his lack of size that could be a problem at the NBA level against stronger and more athletic talent. He is a solid floor manager who has the tenacity to make up for his lack of size on defense.
With the Knicks having a long list of players to choose from at the position, it will take a while for Powell to climb to the surface. Veterans like Payton will earn more reps because of that, but he is a team player and will try to fit into the system the best he can. As a student of the game, I expect him to conform his style to Tom Thibodeau’s system and get himself in a position for reps.
As a UDFA, Powell is a low-risk player for the Knicks, and considering staying in New York, he’s already comfortable with the scenery and intensity. I believe he has everything it takes to be a quality point guard in the NBA and could be earning starting minutes by the end of the 2020–21 season.