New York Knicks: Fringe player predictions for the 2018-19 Season
Even though the New York Knicks are sitting at the league maximum for roster spots, they aren’t done restructuring the team.
The Las Vegas Summer League has come to an end, as the New York Knicks finished with a 2-3 record and a better look at their young talent, particularly rookies Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson.
Knox finished fourth at Summer League in points per game (21.3), and Robinson made his presence felt by breaking the Las Vegas Summer League record for blocks per game (4.0) and offensive rebounds per game (6.2).
Though the Knicks’ record was nothing to get excited about, watching Knox silence the boos heard at the 2018 NBA Draft, and Robinson prove that the G League may not be necessary for the start of his career, made the offseason look even more successful.
In addition to the apparent success of Knox and Robinson, the Knicks had several other players that may have earned their shot at making the roster.
For those that are unfamiliar with the NBA’s new roster policy, here is an excerpt from HoopRumors.com:
"While NBA teams are allowed to carry up to 20 players during the offseason, rosters are limited to 15 players during the regular season. Expanded offseason rosters allow clubs to bring in players on contracts that aren’t fully guaranteed, giving those players a chance to earn a regular season roster spot or getting a closer look at them before sending them to their G League affiliate. In addition to the usual 15-man rosters, NBA teams are permitted – as of this season – to carry two players on two-way contracts."
The Knicks’ roster currently contains a total of seventeen players (Isaiah Hicks and Allonzo Trier being their two-way contracts). This was made possible after the waiving of Troy Williams, which came as a surprise due to his energizing effort in Summer League and at the end of last season.
Troy Williams is an excellent slasher and finisher and showed that in Summer League - but honestly don't think the rest of his skill set has developed a lot. I understand the Knicks parting ways with him given their other players under contract and their contractual situations.
— John Schmeelk (@Schmeelk) July 16, 2018
It seems that the Knicks are looking for more size in the frontcourt after keeping Hicks on the roster.
Even though the Knicks are sitting at the league maximum for roster spots, they aren’t done restructuring the team. Here’s a look at my predictions and analysis for the Knicks’ fringe players.