New York Knicks: Who is the 2018 preseason most important for?

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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 12: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Which players on the New York Knicks need to showcase the most in the preseason?

On Monday night, the New York Knicks will start the 2018 preseason against the Washington Wizards and follow with four games afterward, before opening night on Wednesday, Oct. 17 vs. the Atlanta Hawks.

Preseason games mean nothing towards the official record, but it’s not irrelevant for the players, especially those who sit on the roster bubble or sit in competition for a starting role. Both go for the Knicks after head coach David Fizdale’s proclamation on the starting lineup.

A handful of players have something to strive for in the preseason, whether it’s for a rotation spot or to even make the team. Who does this include?

5. Kevin Knox

Kevin Knox enhanced expectations in Summer League, with over 20 points per game and a spot on the All-Summer League First Team. So it places eyes on what he could do against full NBA rosters in the regular season and the preseason.

Training camp started with Knox’s tentative play on the offensive end, a departure from what he did in Las Vegas. However, as Fizdale noted after the open practice, the rookie forward pushed the right buttons with the ball in his hands:

"“He did exactly what I want,’’ Fizdale said. “He’s a natural scorer. He’s unselfish to a fault at times, but today was indication what I’ve been prodding him to do every day. That ball hits your hands, you’re live.’’"

It was against teammates, though, so how will Knox play against opposing teams he only sees a handful of times per season?

Whether or not Knox performs adequately, as the New York Knicks’ first-round pick, he should find a consistent role in the rotation. Though, his scoring acumen must remain consistent, or at least the ability to attack the rim, and provide the team with the offensive production it will need.

That’s not to say “good enough” is fine, but as long as the Kentucky product shoots well and shows effort on defense, it will allow him a main bench role or a starting spot.

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