2. Damyean Dotson
Damyean Dotson had a fine preseason at 8.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 56 percent shooting in 13.4 minutes per game. Nothing otherworldly, but enough to stick as a role player.
However, Dotson sat to start the season against the Hawks and Nets. Somewhat of a surprise, but backup minutes by Knox, Hezonja and Allonzo Trier.
With Knox’s injury against the Celtics, it opened an opportunity for the second-year player to take 22 minutes and score 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting, along with work at the opposite end of the court. He took time from Hezonja, who, as noted, played just 10 minutes.
Will it continue for Dotson, though? According to Fizdale after the Boston game, yes:
How far will Dotson’s playing time go? If it’s in the 20-plus range, there’s a chance he assumes the open sixth-man for the New York Knicks, an unexpected development after just three games.
The Houston product, at least for one night, deserved the opportunity. He offers size at 6-foot-6 and the outside shooting necessary for this group to compete in games, which was on display with a 2-for-5 mark against the Celtics.
A role around 10-15 minutes may become the endgame for Dotson, but until that crystallizes, there’s a chance he makes his way into the conversation ahead of Monday’s game.