New York Knicks: Returning players on expiring contracts in 2018-19

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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 26: Emmanuel Mudiay #1 of the New York Knicks directs his teammates in the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Emmanuel Mudiay ($4.3 million)

Another former top pick, Emmanuel Mudiay went No. 7 overall to the Denver Nuggets in the 2015 NBA Draft. He skipped high school, went to China and eyed professional experience before the Association.

Through two-plus seasons in Denver, Mudiay never stood out, finishing at 37.5 percent shooting, with 11.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in 165 appearances.

Year three pushed Mudiay out of the starting lineup and into a limited role, which produced the change-of-scenery trade to the New York Knicks, where a lack of shooting followed him in 22 games and 14 starts; 36.8 percent from the field and 19.6 from behind the arc (on 2.1 attempts per game) put him behind Trey Burke’s work.

Now, in Mudiay’s final season of his rookie contract, there’s pressure to perform and live up to the pre-draft hype. Burke’s 2017-18 production will hold this back initially, unless the Congo native shoots adequately off the bench.

If Mudiay fails to impress, a fall from a $4.3 million salary seems likely in 2019-20, pending another team gives him a chance in this three-point shooting league. Improvements are needed, so will he rise to the occasion?