New York Knicks: Who stepped up in 2018 Summer League opener?

Kevin Knox

When the New York Knicks selected Kevin Knox at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, a question inevitably surfaced: What can he offer in the short-term? It’s perhaps the wrong priority, but it’s a question that talent-starved Knicks fans desperately searched for an answer to.

In his first appearance as a member of the orange and blue, Knox put on a show that had even the most jaded of fans pondering what could be.

Knox may have dented the rim with his seemingly endless number of powerful finishes in the paint. He threw down five dunks against the Atlanta Hawks, which certainly provided the fireworks that Knicks fans were hoping to see.

There was substance to go along with the pomp and circumstance, however, as Knox played an all-around game that showcased an impressive range of abilities.

Knox dove for a loose ball, blocked a jump shot, stayed in front of his man on a consistent basis, and made a gorgeous cross-court pass for an assist. He crashed the boards with relentless pursuit, expanded his range with a tough three, and buried a difficult up-and-under layup.

With 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one block, and a steal, Knox made a powerful opening statement: He’s more than the scouting report suggests.