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Knicks: Summer League Players With Main Roster Potential

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 5, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Ron Baker (31) reacts after scoring against the Saint Louis Billikens during the second half at Chaifetz Arena. The Shockers won 68-53. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Ron Baker (31) reacts after scoring against the Saint Louis Billikens during the second half at Chaifetz Arena. The Shockers won 68-53. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) guard New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (11) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) guard New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (11) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleanthony Early

Position: Small Forward
Age: 25 (4/17/1991)
2015-16 Slash Line: .300/.267/.750
2015-16 Season Averages: 9.1 MPG, 1.8 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.4 APG

The second Wichita State Shockers alum to make this list has been on the New York Knicks for two years. Cleanthony Early struggled as a rookie and failed to produce ideally in 2015-16, albeit as he overcame a gunshot wound to the knee.

Patience appears to be running thin, however, as the Knicks declined the right to make Early a restricted free agent.

In other words, Early will have to earn his roster spot during Summer League play.

Early is a 6’7″ small forward with a 6’11” wingspan, fluid athleticism, and explosive leaping ability. He recorded a 40″ max vertical leap at the 2014 NBA Draft Combine, and has no trouble playing above the rim in games.

Unfortunately, Early hasn’t been able to put his size, length, or athleticism to good use during his first two seasons in the NBA.

Through two seasons, Early has played 56 games on the main roster. During that time, he’s accumulated a slash line of .346/.263/.750—well below the standards for acceptable field goal and 3-point field goal percentages.

Now 25 years of age, this could be Early’s final chance to earn a main roster spot in New York.

Next: 2016 NBA Draft Target

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