New York Knicks: One goal for each NY International Olympic Player
By Allen Settle
New York Knicks Point Guard Luca Vildoza: Argentina
The unknown nature of Luca Vildoza’s NBA prospects makes him the most interesting player on this list.
The 25-year-old signed with New York toward the end of the regular season but was unable to join the team before their postseason run.
While Knicks fans are hopeful Vildoza can become the next international player to make a splash in the NBA, the Olympics will give many their first chance to see him on the court.
Vildoza will join veteran and Argentinian pledged Luis Scola and Denver Nuggets guard Facundo Campazzo as the NBA players representing their country.
While this is a far cry from the team that once boasted several notable athletes like Manu Ginobli, Pablo Prigioni, Andres Nocioni, and others, they still have the experience and potential for a solid run.
One thing to strive for: Knicks fans would love to see a good showing by Vildoza in Tokyo. The former Spanish league star is beginning a four-year, $13.6 million contract in NYC. Should develop well, he could be the solution to the team’s point guard issues.
His floor feels like a younger version of the aforementioned Prigioni. However, a good Olympics could give Vildoza a good wave of momentum entering his NBA debut.
New York Knicks Wing RJ Barrett: Canada
The budding Knicks’ star entered the FIBA World Basketball Qualifying Tournament with a dangerous roster.
The team also featured talents like Andrew Wiggins, Luguentz Dort, Trey Lyles, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Corey Joseph, and more. They are also led by NBA champion head coach Nick Nurse.
While the team had the firepower to make an interesting run, the team was shockingly eliminated at the buzzer by a Czech Republic team and their lone NBA player Tomas Satoransky.
This brought an unfortunate end to Barrett’s Olympic potential before it even began.
One thing to strive for: Rest up. Hit the gym. Work on your game. And get ready for the 2021-2022 NBA season. There really aren’t other options.
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