New York Knicks: Non-superstar free agents to scout as playoffs continue

Aside from the superstars, which impending free agents can the New York Knicks scout as the postseason’s second round continues?

The Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving rumors have circulated with the New York Knicks since the preseason, but they are hardly the only impending free agents this summer, and there is no guarantee for them to sign until the pen meets paper.

The Knicks, aware of this, have scouted impending, second-tier free agents in the postseason, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. They may not cost a “max” contract but are still impact players.

This started in the first round, but the playoffs have since narrowed to eight teams. However, there are still other free agents from the top group for the Knicks to follow.

Who are some of these players? Let’s take a look:

Al-Farouq Aminu

Slash Line: .433/.343/.867
Season Averages: 9.4 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 1.2 3PM

Al-Farouq Aminu is not in the second-tier group of impending free agents, but he is a rotational fit or even a starter for a team he signs with this summer, as with the Portland Trail Blazers for the past four seasons.

The New York Knicks have needed a player to plug into the middle of their lineup for years, and not just the offensive-minded Kevin Knox. A two-way player, who handles both ends of the court and offers the defense this team usually lacks.

On the cheaper side of the free agent spectrum, Aminu can fill that, whether or not Durant signs this summer. He stands 6-foot-9, with long arms to cover opposition’s wings and stretch the floor for the occasional three-pointer. That leaves him as New York’s wing while Knox develops his all-around game in a smaller role.

Aminu is playing for Portland in the second round of the playoffs, and the series stands 1-1 as of May 3. It could last seven games at this rate, so the Knicks, if they are scouting him or other players in this series, have a long look ahead.