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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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 06: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers goes up for a dunk in the second half against Tyus Jones #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during the NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Steppig – Pool/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 06: Nigel Hayes #10 of the Wisconsin Badgers goes up for a dunk in the second half against Tyus Jones #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during the NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Steppig – Pool/Getty Images) /

Intangibles

This is the area in which Nigel Hayes unequivocally earns an edge over the competition. During his four years with the Wisconsin Badgers, Hayes played a significant role in his team reaching the National Championship Game, the Final Four twice, and the Sweet Sixteen four times.

Say what you will about the rest of his game, but Hayes is a big-game player who has proven more than capable of stepping up in high-pressure situations.

The issue with Jamel Artis and Xavier Rathan-Mayes is that both players received limited NCAA Tournament exposure. Both players have intangibles that range beyond team success, however, and both should be held in high esteem in this capacity.

Artis was the unselfish heart of an offense, and Rathan-Mayes checked his ego at the door and completely changed his game—both of which are strengths in this regard.

Rathan-Mayes entered college as a pure scorer, but exited Florida State as one of the best facilitators in the country. He accepted that his touches and shot attempts would decrease with his new role, and even became one of the best defenders in the ACC.

Few intangibles are more important than unselfishness, a team-first mentality, and a commitment to success.

Between Artis, Hayes, and Rathan-Mayes, the Knicks have a trio of players with the intangibles to become quality NBA players.

Rankings

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

Must Read: Alternative trade options for Carmelo Anthony

The New York Knicks have three quality players competing for one two-way contract. Who would you like to see Scott Perry sign?

Hit the comment section and let us know!