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New York Knicks: D-League Players Worth Evaluating

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) reaches for the net over Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 102-84. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) reaches for the net over Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 102-84. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks are gearing up for a critical period of NBA free agency. Which diamonds in the rough might be hiding in the D-League?

Jan 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) reaches for the net over Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 102-84. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) reaches for the net over Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 102-84. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks are one of the foremost experts on how to spot talent in the NBA D-League. A number of key rotational cogs, including Langston Galloway and Jeremy Lin, have worked their way through the D-League and into New York’s rotation.

The strength of the roster will be found in NBA free agency, but that doesn’t mean alternative measures should be ignored.

In two instances, the Knicks should deeply evaluate players who have already made brief appearances on the main roster. Both bring intriguing traits to the table, and each provide a skill that New York is currently lacking.

Neither should be viewed as immediate impact players, but both of the featured Westchester Knicks stars could make a positive impact at the back end of the rotation.

The other players listed haven’t achieved much in the NBA, but have turned their careers around in the D-League. Their success has been enough to capture the attention of many a general manager, and it could lead to their being signed to a contract in 2016-17.

In an attempt to round out the rotation with late-summer signings, New York should study these D-League stars. One may even be intriguing enough to sign.

Next: D-League MVP

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