New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek impressed by Damyean Dotson

Frank Ntilikina isn’t the only New York Knicks rookie who stepped up against the Houston Rockets. Damyean Dotson impressed head coach Jeff Hornacek, as well.

There’s no task more important for a rookie to accomplish than earning the respect of their head coach. It may not lead to immediate playing time, but as New York Knicks guard Ron Baker can attest to, it can result in future opportunities and a decent payday.

A November 1 blowout loss to the Houston Rockets provided the platform for 2017 second-round draft pick Damyean Dotson to make progress towards achieving that vital feat.

New York selected Dotson at No. 44 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Dotson appeared in four of the Knicks’ first six regular season games, amassing a grand total of 20 minutes played and zero field goals made on six attempts.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the energy that Dotson provided against the Rockets enabled him to turn the corner and impress head coach Jeff Hornacek.

"“He just plays hard. That’s what we’re looking for. He would get after guys. He can really shoot the ball. I think he’s still trying to figure out when he should shoot it, when he should try to drive it. Once he figures that out he’s going to be pretty good. I liked his energy and the way he goes after things.”"

Dotson took the court once the game was essentially decided, but the matchups he faced were as tough as those endured by the starters.

Current Houston Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni left his starters on the court deep into the fourth quarter. Despite the fact a vast majority of New York’s starters had been benched in a game with a 20-plus-point deficit, D’Antoni continue to play through James Harden and Eric Gordon.

Whether it was an attempt to get his players reps or a sign that D’Antoni still holds a grudge against the Knicks, it was a blessing in disguise.

With Gordon and Harden on the court, Knicks rookies Frank Ntilikina and Dotson received the invaluable experience of defending one of the best backcourts in the NBA.

Defensively, Dotson utilized his prototypical size, length, and athleticism to hold his own against Houston’s explosive perimeter. Offensively, he picked up nine points and an assist on 4-of-5 shooting, including the filthy step-back jumper that you can watch above.

It may not yet be enough to earn Dotson a consistent place in Hornacek’s rotation, but it was an example of a rookie capitalizing on a rare opportunity for playing time.

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Only time will tell what the future holds for Damyean Dotson, but he’s on the right track with the New York Knicks.