Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Scott Perry urges fans to be patient with Kevin Knox

By Maxwell Ogden

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Kevin Knox has been a revelation at Summer League, but New York Knicks general manager Scott Perry is urging fans to remain patient.

Kevin Knox has been a force of nature at the 2018 Summer League in Las Vegas. The New York Knicks rookie has put his skill set on display, combining explosive athleticism and finishing ability with an outside shot that’s beginning to find stability.

For as impressive as Knox has been, however, Knicks general manager Scott Perry is urging fans to remain patient with the 18-year-old’s development.

Knox, who was selected at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, has scored at least 19 points in each of his three Summer League appearances thus far. More importantly, he’s showcased a well-rounded skill set and an explosive measure of athleticism that have taken viewers by storm.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Perry stated before the Knicks’ third Summer League game that fans must not remain aware of the context.

"“I think it’s way too early to make an assessment after two summer-league games,’’ Perry said. “You have to measure it. Excitement or disappointment? Do we see encouraging things? Yes. But we know these aren’t the guys they’re playing against or not playing against in the fall.’’"

Knox proceeded to produce a 29-point performance, during which he legitimately dominated the third quarter—a showing that didn’t help Perry’s message.

In saying that, Knox is currently playing at Summer League, where the competition is closer to a G League level than that of an actual NBA game. Thus, while there are certainly positive takeaways, there must also be a grasp on the reality of the situation.

Knox still needs to prove himself against the stars of the Association, including potential positional matchups such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

He’ll also be tasked with playing against vastly superior scorers, shooters, playmakers, and defenders than he’s seeing at Summer League, which will provide entirely new challenges.

Nevertheless, there’s reason to be encouraged by what Knox has done in Las Vegas. He’s displayed a mental toughness that will be essential to his success in New York, and has proven to be one of the most gifted athletes in this draft class.

Coupled with his unexpected willingness to get his hands dirty on defense, Knox has made a statement that’s worth evaluating at Summer League.

Must Read: Who stepped up against the Lakers at Summer League?

As Scott Perry advised, however, New York Knicks fans must understand that it will be a process for Kevin Knox as he makes the transition to the NBA.

Home/Knicks News