New York Knicks: 2018-19 End of Season Awards

Most Improved Player – Damyean Dotson

The Knicks 2017 second round pick, Damyean Dotson, played 73 games for New York this season. Like Trier, the undersized Dotson played with tenacious energy which earned himself a role on the team as a reliable scoring option.

During Dotson’s 2017-18 rookie campaign was largely forgettable. He saw minimal playing time, averaging a paltry 10.8 minutes per game in 44 appearances. But in his sophomore season, Dotson would increase his numbers to a respectable 10.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 27.5 minutes per game.

Dotson’s durability should be awarded here. He finished first on the team in both steals (58) and three-pointers made (126). The Houston, Texas native also finished second on the team in assists (135) and minutes played (2,004). The numbers don’t scream max contract, but they do emphasize the value he has generated for himself.

Dotson took advantage of early-season injuries to the Knicks backcourt and proved he is an NBA three-point threat, shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc. More importantly, Dotson built a name for himself and generated interest from other teams during the trade deadline.

At this point, the Knicks need assets to trade, and Dotson hopefully did enough this past season to be regarded as one. Regardless of what happens to Dotson next season, he was another tiny ray of sunshine during the doom and gloom of last season.