3. Upside
For all that’s been made about Cleanthony Early’s lackluster New York Knicks career, he’s still only 25 years of age. That creates the undeniable reality that his NBA story is still in the process of being written.
With confidence built in the NBA D-League, Early could finally achieve and maximize his full potential with the Knicks.
Early intrigued many at the 2014 NBA Draft Combine with his physical gifts. He was measured at 6’7.25″ and 209 pounds with a 6’10.75″ wingspan, just 4.5 percent body fat, and an explosive 40.0″ max vertical leap.
Early averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 3-point field goals made per game on a slash line of .484/.373/.844 during his final collegiate season.
None of this guarantees success, but it’s hard to overlook the natural talent that Early possesses. It’s also imperative to note that Early missed a large portion of the 2015-16 season after suffering a gunshot wound to his knee.
Early has a limited opportunity to prove himself, but he still has upside that’s worth exploring on the NBA and D-League levels.