Jul 13, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (43) and forward Cleanthony Early (17) celebrate on the court during an NBA Summer League game against the Lakers at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won 76-66. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks have been as active in August as any team in the NBA. After closing July with the signing of veteran sharpshooter Sasha Vujacic, Phil Jackson became aggressive in his pursuit of rotational depth and untapped potential.
That all started with New York signing former Washington Wizards big man Kevin Seraphin to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million.
BREAKING: New York Knicks have agreed to sign Kevin Seraphin to a one-year, $2.8 million deal, a league source tells Sheridan Hoops.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 4, 2015
The Knicks officially announced the signing on Thursday, August 6.
OFFICIAL: @PhilJackson11 announces #Knicks sign @kevin_seraphin!
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) August 6, 2015
READ http://t.co/XgcarESd9M pic.twitter.com/6kGBSFnPlk
New York didn’t stop there.
After months—or years, depending on who you ask—of anticipation, New York finally signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo. The Westchester Knicks standout lit up the NBA D-League, but was previously unable to receive a contract from Phil Jackson.
That’s no longer an issue.
Knicks and Thanasis Antetokounmpo finalizing two-season, partial-guaranteed deal, source said.
— David Pick (@IAmDPick) August 5, 2015
Antetokounmpo will likely need to fight for a main roster spot, but the general expectation is that he has what it takes to lock one up in training camp.
Between these two signings, New York has effectively improved its future while taking on limited liability. Either player failing to pan out would hurt the team, but not as dramatically as it could have.
With two lost-risk, high-reward players, the Knicks have the opportunity to build something special.
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