New York Knicks: Breaking down every player on Summer League roster
Louis Labeyrie
Position: Power Forward
Age: 25 (2/11/1992)
Experience: Rookie
2016-17 Slash Line (LNB Pro A): .590/.310/.667
2016-17 Season Averages (LNB Pro A): 22.0 MPG, 9.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.3 ORPG, 0.9 APG, 0.7 BPG, 0.7 SPG
Key Strengths
- Size for position
- Offensive rebounding
- Motor
- Shooting ability
- Professional experience
Key Weaknesses
- Thin frame
- Isolation offense
- Potentially limited upside as a 25-year-old NBA rookie
Analysis
Louis Labeyrie was one of the first draft-night acquisitions of the Phil Jackson era. Labeyrie was selected at No. 57 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, but has since spent the 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 seasons in the French league, LNB Pro A.
The New York Knicks are considering the possibility of signing Labeyrie to the main roster in 2017-18. The Orlando Summer League will influence that decision.
Labeyrie is a 6’10” power forward who has excelled as a rebounder and energy guy at the pro level in France. He has range beyond the arc, which fits the stretch 4 mold, and has been praised for his defensive potential.
Labeyrie still needs to bulk up, but as his outside shot improves, he could increase his value to the point of being a quality stretch 4.
Labeyrie was named the 2016-17 Sixth Man of the Year in the French Pro League. He finished the season with averages of 16.2 points,14.1 rebounds, 5.5 offensive rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
Labeyrie is admittedly something of an enigma, but he can make waves with a strong performance at the 2017 Summer League in Orlando.