In an interview with SNY, New York Knicks rookie Ignas Brazdeikis said he is not here to prove anything to anyone on the court and is confident in himself.
The 2019-20 NBA season is a proving ground for the young New York Knicks, whether they are rookies, sophomores or veterans. While most of this roster did not partake in the 17-65 2018-19 campaign, fans still have the sour taste of what happened.
Potential players to turn that around and create positive momentum for this franchise include Ignas Brazdeikis, who the Knicks traded up for in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft. This pick did not receive the same attention as RJ Barrett, but after the front office hit a home run with Mitchell Robinson, it is possible the same thing lies ahead with the Michigan product.
As for Brazdeikis’ mindset entering the season, he is not playing with a chip on his shoulder from critics but is confident in his on-court abilities, as said in an interview with SNY’s Ian Begley:
"“I’m just here to prove myself right,” he says. “I don’t really care about anyone else, proving them wrong, whatever. I know who I am, I know how good I am, and I know how much I can help this team. I’m going to prove it, I’m going to do my thing. And I don’t hold anything against anyone (who may have overlooked him). It what it is, but I’m definitely ready to go.”"
Brazdeikis will take that mentality into Tuesday’s training camp, competing against a full roster of guaranteed contracts. He has his own money owed, but with veteran additions across the team and returning young players, finding consistent minutes will be difficult.
Players have found their way onto head coach David Fizdale’s radar, though. Allonzo Trier was an afterthought entering 2018 training camp, but the coaching staff was impressed by him so much, despite the two-way contract, that he took a rotation spot with the first preseason game and never left the lineup. He never saw the G League, either.
Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson also took significant on-court time as rookies. So it not impossible for Brazdeikis to play his way into a meaningful role upon the season’s start or work his way into the mix, especially before the G League year starts in November; he is a potential candidate to join Westchester if New York wants him playing instead of sitting.
Either way, Brazdeikis will receive his first official chance to perform in front of the New York Knicks with training camp and October’s preseason games. This will decide where he stands when the season opener arrives on Oct. 23.