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Don’t be too harsh on Knicks No. 42 draft pick Trevor Keels during summer league

By Jordanna Clark

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Trevor Keels #3 of the New York Knicks passes under pressure from Selom Mawugbe #21 and Mac McClung #55 of the Golden State Warriors during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Trevor Keels #3 of the New York Knicks passes under pressure from Selom Mawugbe #21 and Mac McClung #55 of the Golden State Warriors during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks have played three games in summer league thus far and stand at 2-1. Their first loss came on Monday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, 88-77. New York jumped out to a 24-9 lead in the first quarter, but Portland was able to rebound from a poor start.

Quentin Grimes once again proved that he’s too good for summer league as he led the Knicks with 24 points, while Miles McBride had 16 and Feron Hunt had 12. Jericho Sims (six points) and Trevor Keels (eight points) were the lone starters to not score in double-digits, although Sims had 11 rebounds.

Out of those five, Keels has by far gotten the most slander on Twitter. He was selected by New York with the No. 42 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After spending one year at Duke, Keels declared for the draft and decided to remain in the draft (subscription required) with his decision coming down to the wire.

And if you’ve been tuning into the Knicks’ summer league contests, you’ve heard the broadcast team mention Keels’ age multiple times. He’s only 18 and won’t turn 19 until Aug. 26. After Sims’ two-way contract was converted to a three-year standard deal, Keels took over New York’s open two-way spot for the 2022-23 season.

Trevor Keels needs time to develop as a Knicks two-way player

At six-foot-four and 221 pounds, Keels loves to power into the lane. He isn’t a strong outside shooter, as he shot 31.2% from the 3-point line at Duke. Another year as a Blue Devil would’ve benefitted his shot, but so will time in Westchester. And ironically enough, his first shot in the NBA was a corner three.

Fans have witnessed the growth and development of Jericho Sims and Deuce McBride. The same will be the case for Keels.

In the summer league, he fits in with New York because he likes to push the pace in transition, which has resulted in open looks for his teammates.

If he and Obi Toppin share the court, it’s going to be fun to watch Keels connect with Toppin in transition. This isn’t a new aspect of Keels’ game, as an assist from him in transition is what resulted in Duke’s first points of the 2021-22 season.

Now that he’s part of a fast-paced offense in the summer league, Keels has been able to highlight that strength.

But like with any other rookie, Keels has weaknesses. He has a high ceiling as a passer, but he still forces looks instead of moving the ball. He’s no dynamic scorer, but he’ll find his footing in the G League.

If you’re already condemning Keels after three summer league games, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. He might’ve been a lottery pick in 2023, sure, but he fell to New York in the second round of last month’s draft. And the Knicks have had success with their recent draft picks, especially under Leon Rose.

Give the kid a break and let him develop. It’s the summer league, after all.

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