New York Knicks: 6 Things To Look Forward To The Second Half Of The Season

Jan 7, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) looks to pass as Washington Wizards forward Drew Gooden (90) defends during the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated New York Knicks 101-91. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

-Young Players Showcased

One of the things you get with a losing team is younger talent getting plenty of playing time. The Knicks are currently in that boat, playing three players on 10-day contracts major minutes recently, and having plenty of young players that they should see what they are made of by giving extended minutes. Louis Amundson, Langston Galloway and Lance Thomas, the three players on 10-day contracts, have done nothing to hurt their stock, as they have played exceptionally well over the course of their contracts with the team.

One of those players is second round pick Cleanthony Early. He is in a great situation, as he could use as much playing time as possible over the second half of the season, as the first half was ruined by injuries. Being a small forward, he could gain the most from an Anthony shut down as all of those minutes would have to go somewhere.

Another player to watch is Travis Wear. He played for the Knicks in the summer, parlaying that into a surprising roster spot for the regular season after his strong play continued in training camp and preseason. The Knicks look committed to him, and he should see his minutes increase as the season wears one. In addition to Early, Wear is a player that would benefit most in the way of minutes from an Anthony shutdown.

One more player to keep an eye on also is Thanasis Antetokounmpo. The other second round pick for the Knicks from 2014 is currently in the NBA D-League playing for their affiliate the Westchester Knicks. He could be called up later in the season if the Knicks continue to make moves and thin out their roster.

Next: Gaining Experience