New York Knicks: Despite elimination, Summer League was a huge success

Although they won’t bring home the trophy, the 2018 Summer League was a beautiful showing of all the intriguing young talent the New York Knicks have.

With an 82-75 loss to the Boston Celtics in the opening round of elimination play, the New York Knicks didn’t necessarily have the team success they were looking for at the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League.

It certainly would’ve been nice to see the team advance further than the first round rather. Instead, New York will be playing in the consolation bracket. Disappointing as that may be, it doesn’t mean the experience was without its fair share of success.

In the four games played, various members of the roster flashed immense potential that should have the people of New York drooling at the thought of their future.

New York had five players average double figures in scoring, led by the recently drafted Kevin Knox, who put up 21.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

The former Kentucky forward showcased a wide array of tools on the offensive end, ranging from spot-up threes to thunderous throwdowns that are sure to rock the Garden crowd in due time.

Knox has been so productive that he’s sparked an internal struggle among NBA Twitter users who are trying to manage their expectations for the soon to be 19-year-old.

Frank Ntilikina may have only played in two Summer League games, but on top of his usual prowess on the defensive end, the former eighth overall selection exuded a heightened level of aggression and confidence on offense that was unseen during his rookie year.

Against the Utah Jazz, Ntilikina scored 17 points on 14 shots, firing without hesitation from beyond the arc and attacking the basket in a way that would make Russell Westbrook smile.

Then there’s Mitchell Robinson, a second-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft who many have already earned the label of a diamond in the rough whom the Knicks unearthed.

Although he hadn’t played organized basketball in over a year, Robinson showed why he may very well be the steal of the draft, showcasing an impressive blend of athleticism and shot-blocking instincts.

He still has plenty to work on in order to become an every day rotation piece, but averages of 12.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game are as good a starting point as any for a guy ESPN commentator Fran Fraschilla said would’ve been a top 10 pick had he gone to college.

With all the heartbreak and suffering that Knicks fans have had to endure for God knows how long, it’s become increasingly difficult to attach oneself to anything that resembles success for fear it will be ruined by the the front office or injury.

Despite the constant let downs, there’s something different about this group of youngsters. They already represesnt a level of hard work and dedication that bordered on being nonexistent in years past.

There’s still plenty of time until the new season kicks off in mid-October, but until then, the MSG faithful can rejoice in knowing their team has plenty to look forward to.

Must Read: The quote that tells all about Kevin Knox

The New York Knicks have a future to be excited about after the team’s performance in Las Vegas.