NY Knicks CAA Files: Restricted Free Agents Leon Rose might target

Restricted free agents with CAA connections: Dwayne Bacon

Unlike many of the players in this piece, but more akin to Damyean Dotson, Dwayne Bacon was a 2nd round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The 6’6 shooting guard displayed his shooting potential during the 2018-19 season when he shot nearly 44% from three in less than 18 minutes/game. He showed some steps of being competent on the defensive end, further displaying the ability to be a 3-and-D player in the league.

Due to both Devonte’ Graham & Terry Rozier, Bacon didn’t see the upswing in minutes that he anticipated at the end of his sophomore season. At his request, he spent some time in the G-League in February. While with the Greensboro Swarm, Graham averaged nearly 32 points/game in 4 games, scoring a career high 51 points in a game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Bacon just needs an opportunity to play. He’s come to the realization that it won’t be in Charlotte. A team like the Knicks may help Bacon rediscover his shooting touch and refine his defensive game to be more than an adequate backup shooting guard.

Yes, Dotson’s had better numbers so far through his first three seasons in the league. However, if Dotson commands a significant contract in free agency, it may be prudent for the Knicks to explore cheaper alternatives. RJ Barrett is the shooting guard of the future; it would be foolish to invest significant money in his backup. With Bacon’s limited minutes, he’d be a decent alternative to consider and develop.