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2 Young players Knicks should continue to develop, 2 to give up on

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 20: Jericho Sims #45 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on March 20, 2022 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 20: Jericho Sims #45 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on March 20, 2022 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Rokas Jokubaitis
Rokas Jokubaitis, New York Knicks. (Photo by Roberto Finizio/Getty Images) /

Give up on: Rokas Jokubaitis

The Knicks selected Rokas Jokubaitis with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2021 draft. Since then, the guard has only been in a New York jersey during the 2021 Summer League. An injury kept him away from Las Vegas in 2022, and his Lithuanian national team commitment and the Knicks’ glut of guards reportedly discouraged him from coming over this summer.

Knicks fans have understandably wondered if the 22-year-old guard will ever trek to New York. Jokubaitis recently confirmed that he’s playing another season with FC Barcelona (his third), which didn’t come as a surprise.

He helped to lead FC Barcelona to the EuroLeague Final Four this past season, where they lost to Real Madrid, 78-66. Jokubaitis is an exciting young player, hence why he won the EuroLeague Rising Star award in 2022.

Jokubaitis hasn’t had a chance to develop within New York’s organization. Although Tom Thibodeau said earlier this year he’d like to see more of the guard, there doesn’t appear to be a clear path for Jokubaitis to join the Knicks finally.

Maybe next offseason will come, and Rokas Jokubaitis will decide that he’s willing to commit to New York, but that outcome shouldn’t be counted on.

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