The apparent gap within the Knicks’ rotation, as dissected advert nauseam since Isaiah Hartenstein bolted to Oklahoma Metropolis, is backup middle.
That is still in query — together with Treasured Achiuwa’s ongoing free company.
However there’s one other small crevice in Leon Rose’s development:
Backup level guard.
Assuming Jalen Brunson’s well being, it’s a minor position.
And theoretically, the Knicks ought to have it lined with Miles McBride and Donte DiVincenzo.
However the Knicks might use one other ball handler/facilitator, if just for insurance coverage.
McBride, as scouts famous from the outset, is extra of a two-guard in some extent guard’s physique.
He’s “a protected passer, not any type of playmaker,” as one longtime expertise evaluator put it.
DiVincenzo can be extra snug off the ball.
The dearth of a Brunson backup turned a difficulty within the playoffs, when playmaking was such a weak point the Knicks turned to prolonged Alec Burks minutes for hope.
Burks is gone, signing with the Warmth for a vet minimal $3.3 million.
Maybe the return of Julius Randle, some extent ahead at instances, or the addition of Mikal Bridges, a succesful creator off the dribble, will cowl up no matter issues the Knicks have when Brunson is on the bench.
Nonetheless, that potential space of want is a storyline for summer time league given two of the primary characters on the Knicks squad — Tyler Kolek and Rokas Jokubaitis.
Each performed in Saturday’s 94-90 loss to the Hornets within the Knicks’ Las Vegas Summer time League debut, and the outcomes had been a blended bag with promising moments, particularly, for Kolek.
The thirty fourth decide in final month’s draft, who signed a four-year contract value over $9 million, began over Jokubaitis and led the Knicks in assists Saturday with seven whereas grabbing seven boards.
He was a positive ground normal, adept with operating the offense whereas struggling along with his shot (2-for-6).
At 23 years outdated, the purpose guard is taken into account extra ready-made than most of his 2024 draft friends.
He would possibly’ve been the staff’s finest participant within the first half, then turned extra passive because the Knicks leaned on Duane Washington Jr. (26 factors) for offense.
Jokubaitis, in the meantime, performed solely 14 minutes off the bench and completed with eight factors on 3-for-6 capturing.
throughout their NBA Summer time League sport Saturday. NBAE through Getty Photographs
The 23-year-old Lithuanian is at one thing of a profession crossroads whereas rejoining the summer time league squad after a two-year hiatus.
Jokubaitis was drafted thirty fourth in 2021 by the Knicks and stashed abroad, having fun with success — and a Euroleague Rising Star Award — with Barcelona.
However Barcelona’s backcourt grew crowded, and Jokubaitis is “anticipated” to go away the Spanish staff subsequent season for Zalgiris Kaunas, a Lithuanian squad, in line with a report Friday from BasketNews.
Summer time league represents Jokubaitis’ alternative to impress upon the Knicks teaching workers that it ought to hold him.
He didn’t get a lot of an opportunity Saturday in Vegas.
Kolek took up nearly all of minutes.
In free company, the choices are dwindling.
Kyle Lowry, as an illustration, simply re-upped with the rival Sixers.
The free brokers remaining who would match the definition of a backup level guard embrace Dennis Smith Jr., Patrick Beverley, Devonte’ Graham and Cam Payne.
Maybe the higher possibility is on the summer time league roster.
They confirmed somewhat bit Saturday.
Pacome Dadiet, the Knicks’ first-round decide final month, appeared overwhelmed and missed six of his seven pictures in 26 minutes. At simply 18 years outdated, he shot a pair of airballs within the first half and lived as much as his billing as a long-term venture.
One draft decide who wasn’t out there Saturday was Kevin McCullar Jr., who didn’t journey to Las Vegas as he recovers from a knee damage sustained in the course of the school season at Kansas.
McCullar, the 56th decide final month, suffered a “bone bruise,” in line with experiences on the time, however he missed all the NCAA Match and hasn’t performed in over 4 months.
