The New York Knicks made a good move before the season officially gets under way. The Knicks have decided to pick-up the options of Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox and Dennis Smith Jr. for the 2020-21 season, per Ian Begley.
These decisions shows the confidence the team has in these three future building blocks.
Ntilikina was teetering on the edge of not having his option picked up. He under-performed for the Knicks in his first few seasons but has made strides this summer.
Ntilikina performed very well for his home country of France in the FIBA World Cup and showed signs of progress. Ntilikina has been in the running for the starting point guard position but has not made a significant leap to stand out. Picking up Ntilikina’s option shows that the Knicks do have confidence in him to become the player they hoped for.
Knox and Smith Jr. options were no-brainers.
Knox continues to progress in his development. His shooting and vision on the court has been substantially better as compared to last season. Knox most likely will come off the bench this season but he can provide good energy and instant production.
The Knicks thought that Smith Jr. was going to be their starting point guard. However, due to his back injury that has held him up. When healthy, Smith Jr. is the clear number one at the guard position.
The New York Knicks may have had a not-so-hot off-season in free agency. But the moves general manager Scott Perry has made puts the Knicks on the right path for the future. They’re showing confidence in their young guys and sticking with them.