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Knicks News: New York attends private free agent workouts, Isaiah Roby optimism

By Jordanna Clark

Nov 26, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Isaiah Roby (18) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Isaiah Roby (18) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks may not be done scouring the free agent market. After trading Obi Toppin to the Pacers, the Knicks could use a backup power forward, but according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, that role is expected to be filled by Isaiah Roby.

New York still seems to be exploring other alternatives. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks attended a private workout for free agents Alize Johnson and Ben McLemore in Las Vegas.

It isn’t uncommon for free agents to hold private workouts, but it’s still puzzling that New York showed interest in McLemore. He’s a six-foot-three guard that was drafted No. 7 overall by the Kings in 2013 but didn’t play at all in the NBA during the 2022-23 season. The 30-year-old instead played for Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin, a Chinese professional basketball team.

The Knicks already have more guards than they know what to do with, so signing McLemore wouldn’t make sense. Johnson, on the other hand, could be an option to backup Julius Randle at the four but his numbers don’t exactly jump out at you. This past season, the 27-year-old played in only four games for the Spurs and averaged 1.8 points and 2.5 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Isaiah Roby also played for San Antonio last season and averaged 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 42 games before being waived. The 25-year-old signed a deal with New York on the final day of the 2022-23 regular season. He has a non-guaranteed salary of $2 million for 2023-24. He’s part of the Knicks’ Summer League team, which has marked his first team representing New York. It’s an opportunity that he’s working to make the most of.

"“Just continue to get better each game, continue to learn the philosophy here with the Knicks,” Roby said when asked about his goals in summer league. “Me, personally, playing winning basketball and contributing to a winning team [is important].”"

More Knicks news

  • The Knicks have started Summer League out 0-2 with losses against the Sixers and Nets. New York’s third game will be on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET against Orlando.
  • The details of Donte DiVincenzo’s four-year contract that he signed with the Knicks in free agency have been released.
  • Josh Hart hilariously expressed his displeasure with Obi Toppin’s new Indiana Pacers look in an Instagram story.

NBA news

  • After dropping 27 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks against the Trail Blazers on Sunday, Victor Wembanyama will sit out for the remainder of Summer League.
  • According to Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian, Portland is reportedly seeking “four first-round picks and two quality players” in a Damian Lillard trade. On Monday, Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin said that completing a trade could take “months.”
  • Starting in 2023-24, the NBA will hold an In-Season Tournament for all 30 teams. The Knicks are in the ‘East B’ group. Here’s an explanation of how the tournament will work.
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