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New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Xavier Rathan-Mayes signing

By Maxwell Ogden

TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Boston College Eagles at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 20, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 19th ranked Florida State defeated Boston College 104 to 72. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Boston College Eagles at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 20, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 19th ranked Florida State defeated Boston College 104 to 72. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – MARCH 6: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers brings the ball up court during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on March 6, 2016 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – MARCH 6: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers brings the ball up court during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on March 6, 2016 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

5. Creating Competition

The New York Knicks made a rush of signings between August 17 and August 18. With free agency nearing its end, the Knicks signed former Pittsburgh Panthers small forward Jamel Artis, former Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes, and former Florida State Seminoles guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes.

With three players now competing for a two-way contract, the Knicks will likely see the best of the three players as they attempt to earn a contract.

Artis is viewed as a skilled scoring threat who can take his man off the bounce and space the floor with an excellent 3-point shot. Hayes is regarded as a hybrid forward who can defend multiple positions and provide well-rounded contributions on offense.

Rathan-Mayes is more of a playmaker, with a vital form of value to be found in his ability to create for his teammates as a facilitator.

With just one roster spot remaining, all three undrafted players will fight to prove they belong in the Association. All three will bring their unique value to training camp, and all three will have a chance to prove they can benefit the team.

By signing three players of entirely different approaches, styles, and value, the Knicks have created a healthy competition for the final roster spot.