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New York Knicks: Comparing the two-way contract candidates

By Maxwell Ogden

GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 26: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball as Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers defends during the second half at the Breslin Center on February 26, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 26: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball as Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers defends during the second half at the Breslin Center on February 26, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Defense

The most established defender from this group is Xavier Rathan-Mayes, who was voted to the ACC All-Defensive Team. He’s a 6’4″ point guard with the ability to contain slashing scorer and contest shots with impressive consistency—more so than he displayed in previous seasons.

If Rathan-Mayes maintains that level of intensity and works to improve his already solid lateral quickness, he could make a strong transition to the NBA.

Based on potential alone, Nigel Hayes could be the No. 1 player in this set of rankings. Hayes was inconsistent on defense, but his 7’3″ wingspan should enable him to defend both forward positions if he commits to doing so.

His success in the NBA will be based on a combination of his work ethic, his body becoming more defined, and his lateral quickness improving.

Artis has the physical tools to be a high-quality defender, but his proficiency has mostly been found in flashes. He’s 6’7″ with a 6’10” wingspan, which are ideal measurements for an NBA small forward—and some even feel that he can play the 2.

If Artis manages to slim down a bit and thus improve his lateral quickness, he could become a genuine asset on the defensive end of the floor.

Rankings

  1. Nigel Hayes
  2. Xavier Rathan-Mayes
  3. Jamel Artis