Tom Thibodeau’s comment about DaQuan Jeffries hinted at Knicks two-way contract
On Tuesday, the New York Knicks announced that they waived Feron Hunt. The 23-year-old was on a two-way contract with the Knicks, but last played in an NBA game at the end of the 2021-22 season. Back in July, he was at Summer League with New York for the second straight year where he averaged a team-high 2.4 steals. When the Knicks waived him a day ago, fans were left wondering why.
DaQuan Jeffries is why. New York signed him to a two-way contract, replacing Hunt and making him and Trevor Keels the two players on two-ways. Jeffries was with the Knicks at Summer League as well, where he averaged 8.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in five games while shooting 48.3% from the field and 46.2% from three.
The 25-year-old was signed to New York’s training camp roster at the start of the year, but because Jeffries had a concussion, he wasn’t able to play in the preseason and was cut. After he was cut, Tom Thibodeau praised Jeffries and said that he believes that the guard is an NBA player.
“I believe he’s an NBA player, unfortunately he had the concussion”
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) November 29, 2022
— Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau when DaQuan Jeffries was cut at end of camp
Now he’s signed to a 2-way contract as Feron Hunt is waived
The 6’5” Jeffries, 25, has averaged 3.8 points in 47 games for 3 NBA teams pic.twitter.com/8pMR6dDZ8i
Knicks waive Feron Hunt and sign DaQuan Jeffries to a two-way contract
DaQuan Jeffries has played in six G League games in Westchester this season and is averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 31.2 minutes.
After it was reported that Jeffries would be signing a two-way, he scored a season-high 23 points (5-of-6 from three) in a 119-106 win over the Greensboro Swarm.
His performance reaffirmed New York’s decision to sign him to a two-way.
Jeffries has played in a total of 47 NBA games between Sacramento, Houston, and Memphis. Knowing how Thibodeau is, Jeffries won’t receive much playing time – if any – with the Knicks. If he continues to put on a show in Westchester though, fans may see Jeffries on the court at MSG sooner rather than later.
It’s unfortunate that Feron Hunt had to be waived, but it’s nice to see DaQuan Jeffries earn this opportunity after he was dealt a bad hand during training camp.
Westchester’s next game will be on Thursday, Dec. 1 against the College Park Skyhawks, Jeffries’ former team. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ for the Knicks fans that are interested in watching New York’s newest two-way player.
