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New York Knicks: 5 Players Who Need to Be Re-Signed

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Position: Guard/Forward

Age: 23

Pending Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

D-League Slash Line: .499/.216/.638

D-League Season Averages: 28.5 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 BPG, 0.9 SPG

Yes, I know that Thanasis Antetokounmpo was sent back down to the NBA D-League. I’m also aware of the fact that his contract with the New York Knicks was a 10-day deal, and that he signed on to join the Westchester Knicks for a second consecutive season.

In 2016-17, Antetokounmpo should receive an extended opportunity to play on the main roster.

Antetokounmpo was named to the D-League’s All-Defensive Third Team in 2014 as a member of the Delaware 87ers, and the All-Defensive Second Team in 2015 with Westchester. That’s the foundation for his upside as a tremendous athlete whose build and physicality are tailor-made for a rugged Knicks defense.

Antetokounmpo desperately needs to improve his jump shot, but his defensive potential is on par with anyone who’s currently on the main roster—south of Kristaps Porzingis, of course.

Antetokounmpo, selected by Phil Jackson at No. 51 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, is also a ferocious finisher who can get out and make plays in transition. He will turn 24 years old in July, which means his best years are still ahead of him, and has a great physical profile at just under 6’7″ and 215 pounds with a 7’0″ wingspan.

Antetokounmpo can defend shooting guards and small forwards, and would help New York improve both its transition defense and offense—the latter of which ranks No. 30 in the NBA.

Next: The New Fisher?

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