New York Knicks: Breaking down every player on Summer League roster

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Ntilikina of France is introduced as the number eight overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Ntilikina of France is introduced as the number eight overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes (22) dribbles as Temple Owls guard Alani Moore II (2) defends during the first half of the first game of NIT Season Tip-Off at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes (22) dribbles as Temple Owls guard Alani Moore II (2) defends during the first half of the first game of NIT Season Tip-Off at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier Rathan-Mayes

Position: Point Guard
Age: 23 (4/29/1994)
Experience: Rookie
2016-17 Slash Line (College): .453/.323/.530
2016-17 Season Averages (College): 27.7 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.2 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 1.1 3PM

Key Strengths

  • Court vision
  • Defensive potential
  • Scoring versatility

Key Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent shooter
  • Defensive inconsistency

Analysis

Xavier Rathan-Mayes is the gifted scorer who famously scored 30 points in a span of four minutes and 38 seconds during a Division I basketball game. It was a shining example of the pure scoring ability that Rathan-Mayes undoubtedly possesses.

After posting the best field goal and 3-point field goal percentages of his career in 2016-17, his work ethic may be as appealing his his pure ability.

Rathan-Mayes averaged 1.7 3-point field goals made per 40 minutes during his three-year college career, but shot just 29.4 percent. He got to the free throw line at a rate of 4.9 attempts per 40 minutes, but shot just 66.6 percent.

Rathan-Mayes has the tools to be a quality sixth man with his pure scoring ability, but he desperately needs to settle down and stabilize his mechanics.

The most appealing strength Rathan-Mayes possesses is what was expected to be a weakness coming out of high school: his court vision. He averaged 5.9 assists per 40 minutes over three seasons, including 6.9 assists to just 2.7 turnovers per 40 minutes in 2016-17.

Coupled with his 6’4″ size and 6’5″ wingspan, Rathan-Mayes could develop into a well-rounded two-way player at the next level.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Draft report cards for all 30 teams

The New York Knicks have one of the more appealing Summer League rosters heading to Orlando.