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New York Knicks: The five most impressive players from Summer League

By Maxwell Ogden

LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 10: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 10: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 12: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 12: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kevin Knox

This list wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of 2018 first-round draft pick Kevin Knox. Knox was the star of Summer League, with an invigorating combination of highlight-reel finishes, smooth shooting from beyond the arc, and stunning fundamental prowess.

Although there were clear signs of inconsistency, the overall body of work that Knox produced was one that inevitably sparked excitement from fans around the NBA.

Knox finished the 2018 Summer League with averages of 21.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.5 three-point field goals made in 32.3 minutes per game. He wasn’t especially efficient, but that’s an afterthought at this point.

Knox was determined to address his flaws as Summer League continued, and he succeeded in doing so in a number of critical areas—including his shooting.

Knox shot a combined 3-of-14 from beyond the arc during his first two games, but went 7-of-14 during his last two outings. He drove the lane against set defenses, broke out in transition, went to the post, and even operated the pick and roll as a ball-handler.

There are certainly areas in which Knox will need to improve, but what he proved at Summer League is quite simple: At 18 years of age, he’s already ahead of the curve.

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