There are a few New York Knicks players who could benefit from playing in Chicago.
The NBA is strongly considering hosting a second “bubble” in Chicago for the eight teams who were not invited back to play in Orlando. While details still need to be finalized, the event would take place sometime in September and allow teams an opportunity to hold mini training camps and play each other in a tournament-like atmosphere, as reported by ESPN.
The New York Knicks have made it known that they are reluctant to participate in a second bubble. Due to the structure of several of their veteran players’ contracts, many are set to become free agents this offseason and wouldn’t have much incentive to travel with the team amid a global pandemic.
While it seems practical to allow the Knicks to host their own training camp in the New York area for their young players and new head coach later this summer, if the NBA ultimately decides to force them into a return in Chicago, there are a few young players who could benefit from this.
Of course, health and safety should be the number one priority in thinking about teams traveling from different parts of the country to meet in one location for an exhibition event.
But for the purposes of this article, we will assume the conditions allow for teams to play in a safe environment (however unrealistic that might be). We will also assume that teams will be allowed to carry an expanded roster of players to make up for veteran players who decide to opt out.
Knicks who could benefit from second bubble: Jared Harper
The Knicks didn’t waste time in taking advantage of the NBA window to sign players at the end of June by claiming point guard Jared Harper off waivers. The former Auburn stand-out was waived by the Phoenix Suns on the same day the NBA suspended play due to the coronavirus pandemic.
By claiming Harper, the Knicks were able to retain his restricted free agent rights as a player who has less than three years of service in the league.
Harper was a two-way player for the Suns, playing 33 games in the G-League this season, where he often made the highlight reels averaging 20.8 points and 5.7 assists per game.
The Knicks are hoping this buy-low candidate turns into lightning in a bottle.
"“If Jared was a senior he would’ve absolutely, without question, been drafted in the first round this year,” his former coach Bruce Pearl told the New York Post. “[The Knicks are] getting a first-round talent.”"
What Harper lacks in size, he makes up for in quickness in strength. Watching film of him over the past week, it’s amazing how consistently he finds a way to beat his defender on the first step to the hoop. He isn’t afraid to shoot threes from deep beyond the arc, forcing opponents to stay close to him, which gives him the advantage of using his quickness to drive.
Harper is an ideal example of a player who could benefit from a potential tournament in Chicago to show off his skills and convince the Knicks front office and new coach that he deserves a spot on the roster next season, perhaps even beyond a two-way deal.
Knicks who could benefit from second bubble: Kenny Wooten
Kenny Wooten was named to the G-League’s All-Defensive Team last week; he finished third in G-League Defensive Player of the Year voting. The two-way player was a shot-blocking machine in Westchester, swatting away 3.6 shots per game. He is still waiting for his chance to make an impression on the NBA court.
A second bubble in Chicago would allow Wooten an opportunity to impress Knicks president Leon Rose and whoever is named head coach of the team by then. If front-runner Tom Thibodeau gets the job, it’s hard to believe he wouldn’t instantly fall in love with Wooten’s defensive intensity.
The 22-year-old is a bit different than your typical shot-blocker. He isn’t seven feet tall (he’s only 6-foot-8), instead relying on his athleticism and standing reach to become a dominant presence inside.
Wooten could use a potential September workout to justify more playing time in the NBA off his two-way contract next season. It also gives him an opportunity to show the rest of the league what he can do. Whether teams are in favor of playing in Chicago or not, it will surely draw attention of scouts who will finally have a chance to see some young players in real action.
Knicks who could benefit from second bubble: Damyean Dotson
If you are a member of #KnicksTwitter, Damyean Dotson’s name has surely come up on your timeline over the past few days. After the Hard Knicks Life Podcast shared a snippet of audio where they questioned whether Dotson is an NBA player, the Knicks guard responded with his own tweet. Amazingly, even the Knicks official Twitter account seemed to weigh in by conveniently posting a thread of appreciation for the third-year player.
Dotson is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason, and while his qualifying offer is only a shade over $2 million, a second bubble could be the perfect place for him to cement his case for a larger contract.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t given the opportunity to shine after the hiring of Leon Rose, limited to only six games in February and March. Dotson being buried on the bench behind veteran players is a frustration point among Knicks fans.
The 25-year-old guard shot 41.5% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range this season, as he continues to profile as an energetic 3-and-D player. The Warriors, Jazz, and Bucks have all expressed interest in acquiring Dotson for that exact role, especially since he is on such a cost-effective salary.
The question for the Knicks is whether his value is worth a second contract with the team, or if they could replace his production with another young player, potentially from the upcoming draft where they have a late first and early second round pick, in addition to their lottery selection.