A handful of players on the New York Knicks received valuable experience from July’s Summer League.
In a potential rebuild year, the New York Knicks have a roster consumed with players that own five or fewer seasons of experience, with the majority under three 82-game campaigns. However, further down the roster, rookies and sophomores will play a part in 2018-19.
Some of the youth received time in the Summer League, which resulted in experience for players like Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina, who will enter his second go-around in the NBA this fall.
“Yeah. I think going taking that lap through the NBA, going through the bumps and bruises, getting a Summer League under [Frank Ntilikina’s] belt,” said Knicks head coach David Fizdale at Thursday’s practice, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post.
“Coming in here in peak condition, in great condition helped him keep up with the game and also I think it slowed the game down for him. It always help when you get into great shape.”
Ntilikina’s initial trip through the NBA resulted in 5.9 points and 3.2 assists, which he added 11 points and 5.5 assists in two Summer League games—something to follow up on and make an impression in the 2018-19 season.
As for Knox, his first attempt resembles Ntilikina’s, as a top 10 draft pick that arrives in the NBA with high expectations. This increased with the Summer League, when the Kentucky product made the NBA All-Summer League First Team, but regular season games will provide a different atmosphere.
“The first practice I did,” said Fizdale, on Knox’s adjustment from facing players in the Summer League. “The next practice it was right back to him looking like he belongs.”
It’s only three practices into Knox’s stint with an NBA team, but there’s a window to acclimate himself to the professional level, whether that takes the preseason, the full 2018-19 season or beyond. However, Fizdale believes there’s a short adjustment window, once they realize the change between levels of play.
“I think these guys are going to catch on pretty quick,” also according to Berman. “With his talent level it was just a matter of feeling the physicality of the veterans and understand OK this is a little different. But once he got his mind wrapped around it he’s been competing his tail off.”
Knox’s opportunity can follow through Fizdale’s open competition for the starting lineup. Without anything official for the five slots, and the desire for a bigger small forward, it’s a positive towards his direction for a significant role in Year One.
Everything will start to take shape once the preseason unfolds over five games, with the season opener soon after for the New York Knicks. How will the intriguing youth rise up?