The 2016 RBA Showcase provided a platform for deep sleeper free agents to place their abilities and upside on full display. Which players should the New York and Westchester Knicks consider signing?
Sunday, August 14 was a monumental day in professional basketball. NBA hopefuls and under-the-radar free agents received a rare opportunity to compete in front of executives, coaches, scouts, and media members at the 2016 RBA Showcase.
For those unfamiliar, every player in attendance shared a common goal: to earn an NBA contract.
Many of the players who showed out will be granted the opportunity to play in the NBA D-League. That’s the next step in potentially reaching the highest level, which a number of players in attendance made significant strides towards.
At the event, a select few players even performed at a high enough level to warrant the attention of the New York Knicks’ front office.
New York’s 15th and final roster spot is likely to go to a player who’s currently on the training camp roster. New York still has flexibility in being able to invite players to training camp, however, as well as a D-League affiliate in Westchester.
The question is, which players from the 2016 RBA Showcase should New York consider signing to either a D-League, or training camp contract?
Next: Selfless Execution
Jared Grady
Position: Guard
Age: 27 (1/1/1989)
Height & Weight: 6’3″ & 205 pounds
Key Skill: Basketball IQ
The New York Knicks are in need of defensive-minded guards who can take on playmakers at multiple positions. The Westchester Knicks have a history of producing NBA-caliber guards, i.e. Jeremy Lin and Langston Galloway.
If Westchester is looking to find its next standout perimeter defender, then Jared Grady should be firmly on the radar.
Grady is similar to Galloway in the sense that he’s not the type of player who plays for statistics. He’s a vocal and vigorous defender who picks his man up from the inbound pass and hounds him the entire way up the court.
When I spoke with Grady, his evaluation of his game mirrored what he displayed on the court.
"“I pride myself on making the correct plays. Taking all good shots and playing D. Trying to do the stuff that guys stray away from. The little stuff. And I’d be willing to work my way up. I’m not a person to stray away from hard work.”"
Grady is an intelligent offensive player who moves the ball well, understands the value of making the extra pass, and plays his tail off.
Standing at a muscular 6’3″, Grady has the physical profile to take on slashing guards who use their strength to get to the basket. Offensively, he does a great job of moving without the ball and creating penetration.
If Grady continues to work on his jump shot, he could be an invaluable member of the Westchester Knicks in 2016-17.
Next: Relentless Tenacity
Jonathan Holton
Position: Forward
Age: 24 (11/26/1991)
Height & Weight: 6’7 & 220 pounds
Key Skill: Energy and Versatility
Former West Virginia Mountaineers forward Jonathan Holton is a machine. He plays with infectious energy, overwhelming physicality, and a tenacity down low that every team would be better for having.
Holton is still in the process of defining his true position, but he would be a wonderful fit with the Westchester Knicks.
Holton dominated the 2016 RBA Showcase with his energy, athleticism, and overall tenacity. He attacked the offensive glass, ran the floor, played above the rim, and moved remarkably well without the ball.
As the Knicks look to build continuity from the NBA to the D-League, signing Holton would essentially give Westchester its own Lance Thomas.
From a skills perspective, Holton does a bit of everything. He’s a versatile hybrid forward who works hard on the glass, can defend multiple positions, is a plus athlete, and is capable of spacing the floor when his feet are set.
An animated player with athleticism and energy in abundance, Holton would be an outstanding addition to Westchester’s roster.
Next: Lights Out
Antwan Scott
Position: Point Guard
Age: 24 (2/28/1992)
Height & Weight: 6’2″ & 178 pounds
Key Skill: 3-Point Shooting
Antwan Scott was the best shooter at the 2016 RBA Showcase. Both off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot situations, Scott converted jump shots from all over the court in a truly stunning display of range and discipline.
Playing on a bum foot—soreness, not an injury—Scott also proved how much of a workhorse he is by playing in four games in one day.
When I asked Scott how he feels about the polarizing triangle offense, he was quick to state that he believes it’d be a great system for him.
"“Yes sir, I think I can. It would be a good system for me, the triangle. Especially spacing the floor. I can be a floor spacer and a real defensive pest. I can even play off the ball a little bit with the way I can shoot the ball. I would love to get the opportunity “"
That combination of shooting range and defensive tenacity would endear him to Knicks fans.
In 2015-16, Scott made 96 3-point field goals on 41.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc with the Colorado State Rams. It was a year of vindication for Scott, who traveled the long road to stability.
At the 2016 RBA Showcase, Scott also flashed his vastly improved vision as a facilitator.
For the Westchester Knicks, Scott would be a welcome addition as a scorer and all-around playmaker. For the New York Knicks, he could be an interesting long-term player to evaluate as a third point guard behind Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings.
Scott is one of the best shooters not currently on an NBA roster. The Knicks would be wise to give him a serious look.
Next: Teamwork and Tenacity
Tyrrel Tate
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 24 (2/12/1992)
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 170 pounds
Key Skill: Defensive Tenacity
Tyrrel Tate has a combination of speed, playmaking ability, and instincts that every team could benefit from having. Capable of playing both guard positions, Tate could be a valuable player for the Westchester Knicks.
With size, strength, speed, and offensive versatility, Tate is worth considering for the D-League roster.
When I asked Tate what his greatest strength on the court is, he pointed to what everyone in the gym was already talking about: his energy.
"“I’m going to play hard. I have endless energy. I’m going to play hard all the time. Effort will never be a problem.”"
He certainly proved that at the 2016 RBA Showcase.
Tate was one of the few players at the showcase who didn’t need the ball in their hands to contribute. He competed defensively, moved well without the ball, and flanked out to the wings in transition.
When he had the ball in his hands, Tate could get from inside his own 3-point line to the opponent’s rim faster than almost anyone else on the court.
Tate has end-to-end speed that can help a team take advantage of lazy transition defense. He’s a vocal player on both ends of the floor, as well, which is complemented by his ability to find and hit lanes as a passer.
With the size and athleticism to play and defend either guard spot, Tate could be a valuable two-way performer for the Westchester Knicks in 2016-17.
Next: Heart and Leadership
Chaz Williams
Position: Point Guard
Age: 25 (4/6/1991)
Height & Weight: 5’9″ & 175 pounds
Key Skill: Court Vision and Leadership
Chaz Williams may be listed at 5’9″, but he stood out amongst the best of the best at the 2016 RBA Showcase. He controlled the pace of the games he played in, slowing things down when his teammates were out of control and exploiting lackadaisical transition defense.
A gifted playmaker who has experience in the spotlight, Williams is a sponge for knowledge who’s ready to to put it all on the line for an NBA organization.
Before I could even finish asking him if he’d be willing to work his way up from the D-League, Williams cut me off.
"“Without a problem. Without a doubt. I wouldn’t mind working in the D-League. Getting the experience and learning the offense, and if those guys need me to come up and help, I’d be ready and willing to do it.”"
Between watching him play and having conversations with him, the general sense at the 2016 RBA Showcase was that something special is in Chaz Williams’ future.
Williams does an outstanding job of scoring and facilitating at multiple speeds. He’s a creative player around the basket who can finish amongst the giants, make crafty passes to well-positioned big men, and kick it back out to the perimeter.
When his feet are set and his body is squared, Williams established that he can convert from beyond the arc, as well—a critical improvement to his game.
If a team is willing to coach and stick with him, Williams can reward their faith.
For Westchester, Williams’ arrival would give the team the perfect point guard to run a responsible offense with. He’s a phenomenal passer who keeps his head up in transition, can run the pick and roll, and excels at making entry passes and accurate dimes out to open shooters.
His size may be a concern, but his offensive versatility is comparable to Isaiah Thomas‘ in the sense that it more than compensates for his height.
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If coached properly, Williams could follow in Langston Galloway’s footsteps as the Knicks’ next D-League diamond in the rough.