
The New York Knicks have made power forward Isaiah Hicks a restricted free agent. Here are five reasons the Knicks should ultimately bring him back.
In 2017, the New York Knicks signed former North Carolina Tar Heels power forward Isaiah Hicks to a two-way contract. Hicks spent a vast majority of the season with New York’s G League affiliate in Westchester, but he received opportunities to play at the highest level.
Between his tenures in Manhattan and White Plains, Hicks established himself as a player who’s worth bringing back for a second look.
Hicks, who will turn 24 in July, appeared in 18 games for the main roster Knicks, averaging 13.3 minutes per contest. He also played 37 games for the Westchester Knicks, starting 36 and receiving 29.5 minutes of action per game.
According to Keith Smith of RealGM, Hicks did enough to impress the organization and earn restricted free agency rights.
The New York Knicks have tendered Qualifying Offers to both of their two-way players: Isaiah Hicks and Luke Kornet. Both players are now restricted free agents. The QO is for a two-way contract for 2018-19, which would be the second for both players.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 23, 2018
Hicks has since agreed to play for the Knicks at Summer League.
Isaiah Hicks, who was on a 2-way contract with the Knicks last season and is a restricted free agent, will play Summer League with New York, league sources told ESPN.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 28, 2018
Having already signed Allonzo Trier to a two-way contract, the Knicks must now make important decisions about Hicks and Kornet.
While a two-way contract certainly sounds ideal, Hicks is a player who would be worth adding to the main roster. He’s been working out with full-time Knicks players, and has the tools to reward the faith of the front office.
The question is: Why should the New York Knicks give Isaiah Hicks the opportunity to return to The Mecca during the 2018-19 season?