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Analyzing the Latest Additions to the Knicks’ Roster

By Will Z. Schwartz

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Sasha Vujacic:

February 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Sasha Vujacic (18) moves the ball against Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Elliot Williams (25) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

When the news broke that Sasha Vujacic would be signing for New York on a one year deal, many Knicks fans may have been tempted to glance at their calendars and check what year it was. Sure, the Slovenian sharpshooter was a respectable role player on the Lakers team that dominated the late 2000’s, yet he hasn’t played a full NBA season since 2011. At 31 years of age, he’s still young enough to tally a meaningful contribution next year despite his long-standing hiatus from the league. That much is up to him.

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At his best, Vujacic is a quality 3 and D player who effects the game on both ends of the floor. A large amount of his field goal attempts come from beyond the arc, with an impressive 37.1% success rate over the span of his career. While he lacks the athleticism to be an elite defender, his size and fiery drive enable him to more than hold his own on that side of the court. All in all, Vujacic has the talent and experience to make a successful NBA comeback. He’ll need a lot to fall into place though.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo:

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 older brother of up and coming superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, much has been expected from the young Greek swingman. And while he doesn’t posses the top-level talent of his younger kin, Thanasis Antetokounmpo‘s size and athleticism should enable him to develop into somewhat of a Greek Freak himself.

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Antetokounmpo was selected by the Knicks in the 2nd round of the 2014 NBA draft, playing the entire season on New York’s D-League affiliate the Westchester Knicks. He averaged an impressive 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists on the season, yet it was his performances at last July’s Summer League that enabled him to take that next step to the Knicks’ roster. His elite athleticism allowed him to act as both a shutdown wing defender and high energy offensive player, helping the Knicks to an impressive 4-1 record on the summer. He’s still quite raw, and may not be able to contribute right away, however Thanasis Antetokounmpo could have a bright future in the Big Apple after all.

Kevin Seraphin:

Apr 1, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Kevin Seraphin (13) drives to the basket as Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) defends during the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated Philadelphia 76ers 106-93. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The last and possibility most important of the Knicks’ late summer signings, Kevin Seraphin joined the team on a one year, $2.8 million deal. A valued role player for Washington since 2010, the Frenchman is adept on both ends of the floor, having played valuable minutes on a successful Wizards team.

While he won’t slot in as a starter for New York, there’s a good chance Seraphin will have a sizable role off the Knicks’ bench next season. Seraphin will likely act as the backup center to Robin Lopez, a role he filled admirably in Washington behind Nene and Marcin Gortat.

Seraphin tallied a surprising 15.2 points per 36 minutes last season through his well tenured post game, a sign that the 6.6 PPG he averaged doesn’t quite paint the entire picture. Defensively, he is an accomplished rim protector, and can perform adequately on the boards as well. Seraphin won’t be a game changing signing, however he represents a solid addition who will certainly help the Knicks over the course of next season. New York needs to add solid players throughout their rotation if they want to eventually re-join the playoff picture, and Seraphin represents that kind of signing to a tee.

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