New York Knicks: Kevin Knox can make an immediate impact
By Sam Friedman
New York Knicks rookie Kevin Knox is still raw, but he can make an immediate impact during the 2017-18 NBA regular season.
People say it gets easier every time a well-liked player leaves your favorite team. It doesn’t get easier. When Allan Houston left the New York Knicks, I was about 10 or 11 years old. I was distraught because I didn’t understand why he would just leave.
From what it seems with different reports, Enes Kanter may opt out of his contract. This is a sad day for all. I feel the same way I did 13 years ago. This time, I will try not to cry.
I love Enes. There, I said it.
He was the Knicks’ best player last year. Don’t say “Ah, Sam? I think Porzingis was better. He averaged like 3 blocks a game.”
Well, friend, being able to stay on the court is a skill. Porzingis was unable to do so last year, which has to be taken into consideration.
Kanter worked so hard for the Knicks, it made me feel bad. He would get three offensive rebounds in a row, and pass it out to players who weren’t in the league a year ago. His total rebound percentage was a career high 23.6%, good for fifth in the league.
He led the NBA with a 16.6 offensive rebound percentage.
Kanter is going to show nepotism with the Knicks, possibly looking to resign in New York because he loves it here. If he does opt out, this gives the Knicks a bit of wiggle room to sign a short-term contract with a free agent.
The Knicks shouldn’t show their hand just yet; they should wait for next year to get a game-changing player.
Where Knox fits in
Without Kanter, Kyle O’Quinn, and Porzingis in the lineup, the Knicks have no identity. Trey Burke can score and distribute. Tim Hardaway Jr. can look like a beast at times, but he didn’t prove to be especially consistent last year.
The Knicks could use a face of the organization while Porzingis is out.
Knox can step in and have an immediate Impact. He’s extremely raw, like salmon sashimi raw, but with no driver of the offense, he has a unique opportunity to come in and make an instant splash.
Take those draft night jeers and use them as motivation!
Knox isn’t going to shoot the lights out from distance. At Kentucky, he often tried to prove he was a win by hoisting questionable three pointers early in the shot clock.
What he does have is an ability to move and cut off the ball. He can rebound at a high level. His shot mechanics are a little iffy, but he can still drain it when he has time. You know which other NBA superstars had these same characteristics?
Hint: It’s LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard.
Knox is extremely long and stupidly young. He may not even be done growing. He’s in an unusual place to take the wheel in the offense, but won’t be scrutinized as he’s a rookie, as the team is in a rebuild.
Must Read: Five reasons to sign Mario Hezonja in free agency
This could be Kevin Knox’s first shining moment with the New York Knicks.