New York Knicks: Will Kevin Knox finally reach his potential?

New York Knicks power forward Kevin Knox lit up the summer league just one year ago, but his regular-season performance was not as expected. Tallying 12.8 points, 1.1 assists, and 3.7 defensive rebounds per game in 2018, Knox underwhelmed in his rookie season, but there is hope going into 2019.

There is no question Knox earned essential playing time to help further develop And refine his skill set, but there are more hurdles that he will have to jump to finally reach his potential.

This off-season, knock started off blocking Zion Williamson twice in the opening game of the summer league. He also had a ball stripped away by Zion who then proceeded to dunk over the top of him. The play was plastered all over social media, and even Knox had seen it multiple times himself. Hopefully, that will act as motivation to continue improving in his sophomore campaign.

New York Knicks: Kevin Knox commented on his weaker Summer performance this offseason

“Yeah, I feel totally different,” he said. “I probably didn’t have the numbers I did last year, didn’t have all the highlights and stuff. But just me out there feeling more comfortable and more confident, dribbling the basketball, shooting the ball, I feel a lot stronger out there. I didn’t put the numbers up, like I said, but I think overall I had a really good summer this year and I think I feel better going into the season this year.”

Last season, the Knicks gave the rookies plenty of time on the floor which helped them understand the physicality and speed of the NBA. That experience will surely translate over into the season ahead.

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Despite New York only earning 17 wins, the team’s chemistry was built and will have an impact this year. The veteran signings will also play a major part in the future success of the team. However, Knox might lose playing time to some of the veterans, which would put him at a disadvantage for the future.

Kevin does believe that the signings will take the pressure off of him and rookie RJ Barrett by forcing them to compete more and earn playing time rather than have it gifted.