Averaging 23.3 points and 7.3 rebounds through three games in the summer league is New York Knicks first-round pick Kevin Knox. The 18 year-old finished the summer finale 5 of 15 for 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 turnovers.
Of course, there will be road-bumps in his first season as a professional. After all, he’s just 18 years-old with plenty of time to grow and develop into an intelligent player. Despite a poor game, Knox still showed off his skills and forward prowess that can easily translate to the NBA level.
Drafting Kevin Knox follows a trend for the Knicks:
As the NBA continuously grows into an all-out attack system, Knox follows that trend perfectly. His athleticism and length provides the Knicks with an agile and dynamic player on the court at all times. Knox is a finisher, a guy that will come in and put points on the board. He’s not an orchestrator nor an assist machine, but rather the man throwing down dunks and euro-stepping through defenders.
Adapting to the physicality of the NBA and going up against stronger and better positioned defenders will be Knox’s primary challenge, but as he’s coached and faces off against professional talent he will begin to develop. Inconsistency also plagues the rookie’s shooting; when he’s hot, he’s on fire, but when he’s cold, he might as well be an iceberg. Again, another fixable trait that will be refined be taking smart shots and driving to the rim.
So far, the young forward has only shown room for improvement and impressive qualities in limited action.
Gotham got a HOOPER ?
Kevin Knox filled up the highlight reel in his Summer League debut ? pic.twitter.com/GP9t4sH1jW
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 8, 2018
There’s no doubt that Knox is most effective near the hoop, as he can slap home dunks and convert layups with ease. If he can develop his shooting, similar to Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks could have one of the league’s most deadly offenses.
https://twitter.com/LBJ23_Fan/status/1017524488357994497
The athleticism and agility Knox has at 6-foot-9 is impressive and something that will be utilized early and often for the Knicks in 2018. Expect to see a lot of developmental playing for the rookie, as coach Fizdale will look to play his young players often to help them adapt to the NBA and prepare them to team-up with some of the biggest stars in the league in 2019.
The Knicks will have room for at least one max contract after the 2018-19 season, which is extremely encouraging as Knox and Mitchell Robinson continue to grow on the big-stage.