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New York Knicks: Ignas Brazdeikis, Kenny Wooten can be key contributors

By Eric Gaston

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 10: Ignas Brazdeikis #17 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 10, 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 10: Ignas Brazdeikis #17 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 10, 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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Ignas Brazdeikis and Kenny Wooten put together strong seasons with the Westchester Knicks in 2019-20. The New York Knicks would be smart to add them to the rotation next season.

The New York Knicks have been less than thrilling to watch this season. With inconsistent play and a roster that doesn’t mix well together, the season has yet again been another loss. However, their affiliate team in Westchester made some waves.

The Westchester Knicks have been a fun G League team to watch this season, which is due in large part to their stellar play. With a team that includes Ignas Brazdeikis, Kenny Wooten, and Lamar Peters, the team is full of young excitement.

The trio have had good moments throughout the season with Westchester, and each brings something different to the table

Peters dished out 19 assists in a single game, and also nailed ten three-pointers in an individual outing. Peters has all the potential to contribute to an NBA team such as the Knicks, which need ball-handlers and shooters.

The two players who have really stood out enough to be solid pieces for the Knicks to add to their young core next season, however, would be Brazdeikis and Wooten.

Brazdeikis was selected by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft. The Canadian has always been a crafty scorer at all three levels. Brazdeikis was awarded the Big Ten Freshmen of the Year award just last year with the Michigan Wolverines.

While he started slow to begin the season with Westchester, Brazdeikis has gotten to into a rhythm and leads the team in points, 20.9 per game with a field-goal percentage of close to fifty.

Since the start of 2020, Brazdeikis has been on a roll, averaging 24.8 points in January and 20.6 points in February respectively.

At 6’6″, the lefty has also showcased that he can utilize his right hand to create. Brazdeikis is ambidextrous, which he has stated in the past. He shoots the ball with his left hand, but does everything else with his right hand, just like Knicks standout RJ Barrett.

Brazdeikis is also a good rebounder at his position. He averaged 7.1 rebounds per game on the season, which shows he isn’t afraid to go down in the paint and get physical. He’s also improved on his passing, which was a major flaw in his game.

The Knicks obviously need to focus on their young players, and Brazdeikis is apart of that group of up-and-comers. With his scoring abilities and shooting touch, he would be a nice addition to the rotation.

Even if he isn’t a starter, he can be a very good spark coming off the bench. If his play continues to improve, don’t be surprised if Brazdeikis becomes the coveted sixth man for years to come.

The second player who has really made a name for himself in Westchester this season would be high-flyer Kenny Wooten.

Wooten has been a popular player to watch throughout the G-League season. With his freakish athleticism, Wooten has impacted play on both ends on the floor.

On the offensive end, Wooten is a lob threat and a good offensive rebounder, which can lead to put-backs. Wooten has also shown that he’s a capable shooter, especially from midrange.

On the defensive end, Wooten is a constant shot-blocking threat, which forces the opposing team to take shots from the perimeter instead of driving the lane. Wooten finished the season second in the G League in blocks with an average of 3.6 per game.

Wooten isn’t a bad perimeter defender either, as he uses his athleticism to his advantage.

Wooten’s ability to be able to jump out the gym has been seen on many popular social media platforms, which has given Wooten a buzz. That buzz led to Wooten earning his two-way contract with New York.

The New York Knicks currently lack athleticism. Adding Wooten to the roster would be a great start to change that.

Today’s game is more uptempo and fast-paced, which suits Wooten. A frontcourt of Wooten and Robinson would be very exciting to watch and would bring some electricity back to the Garden.

Ignas Brazdeikis and Kenny Wooten are both intriguing players who have solidified themselves this past season to earn a roster spot with the big club.

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Luckily, the New York Knicks control whether or not they want to bring them up. Hopefully, they make the right decision by doing so.

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