New York Knicks: Free agents to consider signing to two-way contract

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 12: Alex Poythress #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League game against the Los Angeles Lakers on July 12, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Alex Poythress

Position: Forward
Age: 23 (9/6/1993)
NBA Experience: 1 Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .463/.316/.800
2016-17 Season Averages: 26.2 MPG, 10.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.0 3PM

In the modern NBA, there are few players more valuable than positionally versatile defenders. The position-less trend is one that’s stretching typically solid defensive players thin, and forcing coaches to become even more creative with their schemes.

If the New York Knicks are looking for players who fit that mold, then few available free agents would fit better than Alex Poythress.

Throughout his four-year career with the Kentucky Wildcats, fans impatiently waited for Poythress to make the leap to stardom. That never transpired, but he managed to become one of the more well-rounded defenders in the country.

That specialty could help him thrive in the NBA, where he’s already looked the part in admittedly limited action.

Poythress stands at roughly 6’8″ and 235 pounds with a wingspan that stretches beyond 6’11”. He has the improving strength to defend post players, the range to cover stretch 4s, and the athleticism to hold his own against small forwards.

Lance Thomas currently fills the versatile defender role for the Knicks, but Poythress would be an excellent player to develop behind him.

Note: Poythress appeared in six games during the 2016-17 NBA regular season.