New York Knicks: Five players with the most to prove in training camp

4. Ignas Brazdeikis

First-round picks usually do not have an immediate proving ground, especially the lottery selections. They have the leniency to learn and develop, similar to the position Kevin Knox was in as a rookie.

For second-round picks, the same cannot be said. These players have small contractual guarantees, sometimes without any, and have to fight for their spot on the roster.

Ignas Brazdeikis, who the New York Knicks acquired in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft, has two guaranteed seasons, so his roster spot is secure. However, what role he has is not, making training camp important.

With 14 healthy players, only 12 can dress for a game. Most of that group are incoming veterans on pricey contracts or returning players who impressed last season, so fighting for a spot will be difficult. It will take an Allonzo Trier-esque impression, as the Arizona product worked from undrafted free agent to significant rotation contributor.

Brazdeikis can replicate this, but Trier cracked a vulnerable roster. The 2019-20 group is superior in depth and talent.

If the No. 47 pick cannot crack the rotation, New York’s G League team is a viable alternative since it can provide a starting spot, rather than sitting at the end of Fizdale’s bench. The main roster should remain the goal, but he has an option.