Knicks Rumors: Reasons To Love Cleanthony Early Re-Signing

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 /
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Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (17) forward Maurice Ndour (55) and guard Jerian Grant (13) celebrate after scoring on a play against the 76ers during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (17) forward Maurice Ndour (55) and guard Jerian Grant (13) celebrate after scoring on a play against the 76ers during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. The Knicks won the game in overtime, 84-81. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Familiarity

The New York Knicks have built a roster with new faces, which offers a breath of fresh air to what’s been a losing organization. It also creates the reality that New York has minimal continuity from the 2014-15 or 2015-16 seasons.

In two intriguing ways, Early being re-signed creates a sense of continuity and familiarity at both the NBA and D-League levels.

Early has played the past two seasons with the Knicks. In other words, he has experience running the triangle offense, is familiar with the six returning Knicks players, and has even been through the D-League ranks.

Tough he isn’t heading directly to the main roster, it stands to reason that he could be called up if he performs at a high enough level in the D-League.

Furthermore, it’s entirely possible that Ron Baker will join the Westchester Knicks in 2016-17. Baker has the potential to make the main roster—and he’s on the fast track to doing so—but if not, Baker could be reunited with Early in Westchester.

For those unfamiliar, Baker and Early were teammates on the Wichita State Shockers. That creates yet another layer of familiarity between Early and an important asset.