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New York Knicks G-League Guide: Too much to like from Ignas Brazdeikis

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: Andrew White III #3 of the Westchester Knicks shoots the ball against the Lakeland Magic on November 11, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: Andrew White III #3 of the Westchester Knicks shoots the ball against the Lakeland Magic on November 11, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Early in the G League season, a handful of New York Knicks prospects have found success. How has Ignas Brazdeikis performed so far?

While the New York Knicks’ regular season continues, their G League year has only just begun. Five games have been played to result in a 1-4 record. The slow start is degrading, but there are still positive takeaways from the early start to the developmental league’s season:

Iggy is shining, but don’t expect a call-up

Ignas Brazdeikis is thriving with a full dose of playing time, at 33.9 minutes per game, none of which he would have received with the main roster, given the abundance of veterans and young players already fighting for playing time. He has 21.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and a 47.3 shooting percentage through three games.

This hot start is inspiring, but for those seeking a main roster call-up for the 2019 second-round pick, think again. Multiple injuries to the middle of the lineup and/or trades are necessary to create space for Brazdeikis, especially if the Knicks are starting to find a rhythm.

Brazdeikis still projects for a late-season dose of extra playing time, but that is months away. Temper expectations on him for 2019-20 until further notice.

Kadeem Allen still lingers as that other point guard

Much has been made of Frank Ntilikina, Elfrid Payton and Dennis Smith Jr. at point guard, but the Knicks still have two-way player Kadeem Allen in Westchester. In two games he has averaged 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game.

Given the glut of players on the main roster, like Brazdeikis it will take more than just one injury for Allen’s opportunity to arise. He impressed in stretches last season, but the Knicks can only keep him for up to 45 days if called up to take a longer look.

Everyone else

Andrew White III’s G-League season has been impressive, leading Westchester with 24.8 points per game in five appearances. Lamar Peters and Amir Hinton, two summer-league performers, have combined for 29 points per game.

The most impressive side note, though, was Kenny Wooten‘s nine-block performance. Yes, he nearly went into double digits with these highlight-reel defensive plays. The Oregon product deserves a look on the main roster later this season and could have been an option for a two-way spot before Ivan Rabb took it in October.

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More will follow from the New York Knicks’ developmental squad. Who will step up next?

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