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3 Under-The-Radar NBA Free Agents For The New York Knicks

By Lorenzo DeScala

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Josh Jackson #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the technical fouls for teammate Jae Crowder after Crowder was ejected from the game in the final minutes against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2020 in New York City.The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 127-106.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: Josh Jackson #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the technical fouls for teammate Jae Crowder after Crowder was ejected from the game in the final minutes against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2020 in New York City.The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 127-106.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 29: Josh Jackson #20 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the technical fouls for teammate Jae Crowder after Crowder was ejected from the game in the final minutes against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 2020 in New York City.The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New York Knicks 127-106.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Josh Jackson

The New York Knicks almost traded Kristaps Porzingis for Josh Jackson in the 2017 NBA Draft. Now 3 three years later the Knicks should be able to sign Jackson to a pretty cheap contract in free agency.

The Phoenix Suns sent Josh Jackson, De’anthony Melton and two second round picks in exchange for Kyle Korver (who was then waived) and Jevon Carter. There just wasn’t a market for Josh Jackson.

Upon arriving in Memphis, Jackson would be greeted with an extended trip to the G-League. However, this demotion would be essential in Jackson’s comeback.

In 26 games for the Memphis Hustle, Jackson averaged 20.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assist, 1.6 steals and 1.5 blocks. Josh Jackson was starting to show flashes of the all-around dominant presence we saw during his time in Kansas.

With the Grizzlies dealing with injuries to Grayson Allen and Melton, it was time for Josh Jackson to return to the NBA. I will admit, it’s not like Jackson is lighting the NBA on fire, but he has been a solid contributor off the bench.

Jackson has averaged 19 minutes a night in his 10 games so far with the Grizzlies averaging 8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 assist while shooting a career high 43.7% from the field. Jackson’s field goal percentage is being anchored by his 27.6% shooting from deep, but he is shooting a career high 54.8% from within the three-point line.

Jackson’s efficiency from deep should continue to rise as he continues to work his way back into the NBA. Last season Jackson hit on 32.4% of his threes and in his 26 games in the G-League he connected on 38.2% from deep. Most importantly he’s earned the respect of his teammates and coaches according to Anthony Sain of SI

"“He’s balling. He’s playing well, he’s playing and he’s not thinking about anything. He’s just going out there and playing his game – being aggressive, playing defense and that’s what we need from him. He’s shooting the ball well, he’s getting to the rim well and he’s taking on the challenge every single game.” – Dillion Brooks"

Josh Jackson went from a top draft pick to the G-League in the span of 2 years. The Memphis Grizzlies were Jackson’s last chance to prove he belonged in the NBA and that’s exactly what he did. Jackson is still only 24 years old and is on the verge of releasing the potential that caught scout’s eyes in 2017.

Because Memphis turned down Jackson’s player option, he will now be heading towards unrestricted free agency. The New York Knicks should take a chance on Josh Jackson as the team will have cap space to spend. If Jackson continues his current trajectory he could become a very good NBA starter for a long time.

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