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New York Knicks: Summer League storylines are worth watching this year

By Holden Walter-Warner

Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (17) forward Maurice Ndour (55) and guard Jerian Grant (13) celebrate after scoring on a play against the 76ers during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (17) forward Maurice Ndour (55) and guard Jerian Grant (13) celebrate after scoring on a play against the 76ers during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Every player selected by the New York Knicks at the 2017 NBA Draft will be participating at the Orlando Summer League, which begins on July 1.

The Summer League is not always the most fascinating part of the NBA offseason. The only games played are of the exhibition variety, permitting fans to focus on free agent moves and trade rumors instead.

When the New York Knicks head down to Orlando on July 1, however, all eyes should be on the team assembled for Summer League.

The team recently released an official roster, and all three of its picks from the 2017 NBA Draft will be participating. The roster will also feature several college stars who went undrafted.

Nigel Hayes (who once blasted New York as a city) will be in attendance.

The team hopes he can develop his shot during the summer league to become a versatile 3-and-D wing at the next level.

Canyon Berry has already received his invite. So has Jamel Artis.

Luke Kornet signed a two-way contract with the team, giving him an opportunity to prove to be a diamond in the rough.

Unfortunately, last year’s young players—Ron Baker, Willy Hernangomez, and Mindaugas Kuzminskas—will not be in attendance. Baker is a restricted free agent, and Hernangomez and Kuzminskas will be playing for their respective national teams.

Many of the likely participants are guards.

With Derrick Rose a potential goner in free agency, the team will want to see how well Frank Ntilikina runs an NBA offense. Beyond that, the team will be looking for depth at the position with Ognjen Jaramaz.

The Knicks have just eight players under guaranteed contracts for next season. Only one is a point guard (Baker is a restricted free agent), only one is a shooting guard (Courtney Lee), and only one is a full-time power forward (Kristaps Porzingis).

Therefore, the Summer League is an open tryout for the young prospects.

New York won just a single Summer League game last season. But a strong performance from Baker helped him earn a roster spot for the majority of the season.

There are plenty of open roster spots for next season, and plenty of competition headed to Orlando.

Must Read: Breaking down every player on the Summer League roster

When the Summer League tips off on July 1, expect New York Knicks prospects to emerge from the pack.

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