New York Knicks: 6 Takeaways From Orlando Summer League
The New York Knicks started slow in the Orlando Summer League, but finished strong. Here are six takeaways from the five games in Orlando.
The New York Knicks have had a very busy offseason. They began reshaping their roster prior to the 2016 NBA Draft, trading for point guard Derrick Rose, shooting guard Justin Holiday and a future second round pick in exchange for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant. That trade left the Knicks with a couple of holes on their roster that they would fill shortly thereafter.
The Knicks were unable to get into the draft, but found some good value on the undrafted free agent market, signing Ron Baker out of Wichita State and Marshall Plumlee out of Duke. The Knicks would then jump into free agency head first, addressing a number of needs.
The Knicks filled out their starting lineup with Rose’s former running mate with the Chicago Bulls in Joakim Noah at center and Courtney Lee at shooting guard. Phil Jackson then got to work filling out the bench, re-signing Lance Thomas, signing Brandon Jennings and bringing Willy Hernangomez and Mindaugas Kuzminskas from overseas.
More from New York Knicks
- New York Knicks Fall to Eighth After NBA Draft Lottery
- New York Knicks: Players to Draft in Worst-Case Lottery Scenario
- New York Knicks: Three Players Who Should Thrive Under Tom Thibodeau
- Is Devin Booker to the New York Knicks Realistic?
- New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau Officially Hired as Head Coach
Following the early spree in free agency, Summer League is the next thing to look forward to. Unfortunately for the Knicks and their fans, the overseas players were not yet signed so they did not take part, and Kristaps Porzingis was not participating. Cleanthony Early was injured, so there was a bit of a letdown this summer with their team.
It was an ugly start to Summer League for the Knicks, as the players they had on the roster looked overmatched and out of place without any rhyme or rhythm. But, there were still some things to take away from the Orlando Summer League, as the Knicks eventually got things going once players returned from injury and things began to click.
The Knicks will undoubtedly use this opportunity to evaluate some younger players on the court. There is a chance that some of the players on the team will be invited to training camp, as teams can bring as many as 18 players to camp.
Which players could we see at camp? Check out our slideshow of the players that stood out at Summer League and things to take away from the five games played in Orlando.
Next: Knicks Vet Doesn't See Court