New York Knicks 2018 Vegas Summer League Preview

2018 NY Knicks Summer League Preview

Written By Kyle Crabbe

Follow on Twitter: @KthetruestKnick

For many basketball fans eager to see more NBA Basketball, we have the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League. This year's Summer League will feature teams from all 30 NBA Franchises for the first time in the Summer League History. At the Vegas Summer League, basketball fans get the opportunity to see young NBA draft picks take the court for the first time as well as younger player develop their games before us. The New York Knicks bring a very talented roster to the Vegas Summer League that might make a statement in the Tournament play. Here we break down the Knicks Summer League team and some of things fans can look for of the young Knicks squad.

New York Knicks Summer League Roster

Guards

Frank Ntilikina

Position: PG

College: International France

Draft: 2017, 1^st Round, 8^th Overall

HT: 6'6”(Wingspan 7-1”)

WT: 195 Lbs

Age:19

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Gary Payton

Summer League Profile:

The 2017 New York Knicks Lottery Selection in Frank Ntilikina was drafted to be the part of the Knicks future backcourt. After missing the Vegas Summer League last season during his rookie year due to injury, Ntilikina gets to make his SL debut against younger players also trying to make their name in the NBA and against some of the bigger popular names from his draft class like Sacramento's Kings Point Guard De'Aaron Fox and Dallas Mavericks Point Guard Dennis Smith Jr. Ntilikina should get the opportunity to run the Point for the Knicks summer league team and get to run the offense without limitation to showcase his handles and offensive development from year 1 going into year 2.

Tony Taylor

Position: PG

College: George Washington University

Draft: 2012, Undrafted

HT: 6'1”

WT: 195 Lbs

Age: 27

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Mateen Cleaves

Summer League Profile:

Tony Taylor is a journeyman Guard that plays with a fierce competitors spirit. Taylor, a 4-year player at George Washington University has spent the past 6 years playing overseas including playing in France in 2016, where he played with a 17-year old Knicks Point Guard Frank Ntilikina. Taylor in Summer League will compete hard as he attempts to make a NBA roster and will definitely bring his strong will to win, which can be indicated by being part of the 2014 Polish League Championship Team.

Tyrius Walker

Position: PG

College: Morehouse College

Draft: 2018, Undrafted

HT: 6'1”

WT: 185 Lbs

Age: 22

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Langston Galloway

Summer League Profile:

Tyrius Walker comes to the Knicks Summer League Roster as one of Atlanta's best Basketball prospects in recent history and the biggest star basketball player coming out the HBCU Curcuit. Considered by scouts and basketball viewers alike as too small for the NBA, Walker is an talented offensive player who lead Morehouse College to a school's best start ever and finished the year with an impressive 25-3 record while averaging 22.8 Points shooting 47% from the field, 35% from 3-pt range, and 80% from the free-throw line. Walker fits with the Knicks in the Trey Burke mold for the Summer League Team and will can be scoring punch off the bench.

Shooting Guards

Damyean Dotson

Position: SG

College: Houston University

Draft: 2017, 2^nd Round, 44^th Overall

HT: 6'6”(Wingspan 6-10”)

WT: 205 Lbs

Age: 24

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Klay Thompson

Summer League Profile:

Damyean Dotson is a very talented Shooting Guard who looks the part and plays the part of a NBA 2-Guard. Dotson is a great shooter, excellent rebounder with an impressive physical profile. Dotson and Frank Ntilikina will man the Knicks Summer League Backcourt together at the Point Guard and Shooting Guard and can be nice to view for Knicks fans the chemistry they could build both offensively and defensively. Dotson is in a great position to get an opportunity to showcase his numerable talents during the Summer League.

Allonzo Trier

Position: SG

College: Arizona University

Draft: 2018, Undrafted

HT: 6'5”(Wingspan 6-7”)

WT: 205 Lbs

Age: 22

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Courtney Lee

Summer League Profile:

Allonzo Trier is a 1^st Round Talent that due to trouble during his college tenure fell to the Knicks. Trier game in college can be described similar to Utah Jazz's Phenomenal Rookie Donovan Mitchell. In game only however not so much in caliber of talent but Trier like Mitchell was known in college for being an sneaky explosive athlete, with a streaky Jump Shot, but ultra competitive defender and rebounder. With similar college profiles, Trier can make a nice impression in the Vegas Summer League. Trier is a very talented basketball prospect that already has accomplished 2 FIBA Gold Medals, 2015 Jordan Brand Classic Game MVP, 2015 McDonalds All-American in addition to being a 5-Star College Recruit. During his college tenure Trier was suspended for testing positive for banned substances, and therefore the reason for his drop in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Knicks quickly signed him on a two-way contract where Trier can now prove himself this coming season in the G-League with the Westchester Knicks and Head Coach Mike Miller. We can expect exciting play from Allonzo in the Vegas Summer League.

Billy Garrett

Position: SG / PG

College: DePaul University

Draft: 2017, Undrafted

HT: 6'6”(Wingspan 6-9”)

WT: 215 Lbs

Age: 23

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Larry Hughes

Summer League Profile:

Billy Garrett is a talented combo guard that played last season with the Knicks G-League team the Westchester Knicks. Garrett played very well last year with Trey Burke for Westchester and even improved his performance and ball handling responsibly when Burke was called up. Garrett brings a bit of everything to the game but is still developing. He brings a nice prospect in the backcourt to the Knicks in the Vegas League.

Michael Gbinije

Position: SG / SF

College: Syracuse University

Draft: 2016, 2^nd Round, 49^th Overall

HT: 6'7”(Wingspan 6-8”)

WT: 205 Lbs

Age: 26

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Kent Bazemore

Summer League Profile:

Michael Gbinjie is a very interesting case of a talented prospect trying to find his way. Gbinjie was touted as a top tier high school recruit back in 2011 when he originally committed to playing his college ball at NCAA Powerhouse Duke University. Ranked as the 26^th best prospect on the 2011 ESPNU Ranking, Gbinjie transferred after playing sparingly in his freshman year at Duke. He sat a year then played 3 seasons as Syracuse under the legendary Jim Boeheim. In his final season at Syracuse he started all 37 games and help lead Syracuse to a Final Four Appearance. Gbinjie was drafted by Detroit in the 2016 1^st Round, played a year with the Detroit G-League and then last season with the Golden State Warriors G-League Team. Gbinjie is a great talent that is know for his winning intangibles and is touted for his defense, versatility, and athleticism. He fits the mantra of the new Knicks Leadership and will be a good piece on the young Vegas Summer League Knicks Roster.

Forwards

Kevin Knox

Position: SF

College: Kentucky University

Draft: 2018, 1^st Round, 9^th Overall

HT: 6'9”(Wingspan 7-0”)

WT: 215 Lbs

Age: 18

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Rudy Gay

Summer League Profile:

Kevin Knox is most likely whom most fans want to see most, of the players the Knicks bring to the Vegas Summer League. Knox is the latest lottery pick from the One-And-Done Powerhouse Kentucky University. As the Alpha out of the most recent Kentucky Class Knox projects to have a impressive rookie season. Knox has made it clear he plays his game like Golden State Superstar Kevin Durant, whom is his favorite player and like Durant, Knox wants to win the Rookie of the Year. Knox will be helped by former Texas Longhorn and Kevin Durant's best friend Royal Ivey from the new Knick coaching staff to help him get close to Durant's level. However, here in the Summer League we get our first look at Knox versus other top young NBA draft picks. 

Troy Williams

Position: SF

College: Indiana University

Draft: 2016, Undrafted

HT: 6'7”(Wingspan 6-9”)

WT: 205 Lbs

Age: 23

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Trevor Ariza

Summer League Profile:

Troy Williams is a supremely athletic wing player that plays a game very similar to former Knicks swingman Trevor Ariza. Williams is also the 2017 G-League Dunk Champion brings not only impressive leaping ability but a not-stop motor to go with that great athleticism. Williams is still developing his game but should make a few highlight plays during the Summer League for the Knicks.

Juwan Howard Jr

Position: SF

College: Detroit Mercy

Draft: 2015, Undrafted

HT: 6'6”(Wingspan 6-10”)

WT: 230 Lbs

Age: 26

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Quincy Pondexter 

Summer League Profile:

Juwan Howard Jr, hails as the son of former Fab-Five Legend Juwan Howard and current Miami Heat Assistant Coach. Juwan Howard Sr and new Knicks Head Coach David Fizdale have a great relationship and spent years together on the Miami bench. As fore the aforementioned son, Howard Jr, he is a tough basketball player that can do a bit of everything even though he's undersized. Howard Jr will bring a toughness and competitor's edge to the Knicks Vegas SL Team.

Paul Watson

Position: SF

College: Fresno State University

Draft: 2017, Undrafted

HT: 6'8”(Wingspan 6-10”)

WT: 215 Lbs

Age: 23

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: KJ McDaniels

Summer League Profile:

Paul Watson is another young player the Knicks will bring with them in the Vegas Summer League. Watson is a nice sized wing player that has nice offensive skills and great athleticism. Watson played with the Knicks G-League Team this past season and helped contribute to the Westchester Knicks winning 32 games and finishing in first place.

Isaiah Hicks

Position: PF

College: North Carolina University

Draft: 2017, Undrafted

HT: 6'9”(Wingspan 7-0”)

WT: 245 Lbs

Age: 23

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Malik Rose

Summer League Profile:

Isaiah Hicks is a very accomplished young basketball player. Hicks already has won a NCAA Championship with North Carolina in 2017 and was the ACC 6^th Man of the Year in 2016. A former McDonalds All-American, Hicks is a talented big man that can do a little bit of everything. Hicks also played with the Knicks G-League last season on a two-way contract and played big for the Westchester Knicks. Hicks has a opportunity to show out in the Summer League as he continues to develop.

Justin Harper

Position: PF

College: Richmond University

Draft: 2011, 2^nd Round, 32^nd Overall

HT: 6'10”(Wingspan 7-1”)

WT: 230 Lbs

Age: 28

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Markieff Morris

Summer League Profile:

Justin Harper is a very talented player that has had a NBA journey one could write a book about. From being drafted then playing overseas due to an NBA lockout during his rookie year to being selected back-to-back years a G-League All-Star(2016,2017). For Knicks fans in my opinion, Harper's game is very similar to former Knicks Forwards Chris Copeland mixed with Channing Frye. Harper is a very good offensive talent that competes in all phases of the game. Harper will be an interesting fit for the Las Vegas Summer League Knicks.

Daniel Ochefu

Position: PF / C

College: Villanova University

Draft: 2016, Undrafted

HT: 6'10”(Wingspan 7-3”)

WT: 240 Lbs

Age: 24

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: John Henson

Summer League Profile:

Daniel Ochefu is a solid NBA prospect that comes with winning pedigree. Ochefu in his senior season at Villanova started all 34 games for the 2016 eventual NCAA National Champion. Ochefu was a talented recruit, on 2012 ESPNU ranked as the 54^th best High School Basketball Player out of 100. Ochefu is know for his defensive ability and defensive talents as he ranked 1^st in the Big East in Defensive Ranking each of his last 3 seasons in college. Ochefu will bring a defensive presence to the Knicks in the 2018 Vegas Summer League.

Centers

Luke Kornet

Position: C / PF

College: Vanderbilt University

Draft: 2017, Undrafted

HT: 7'1”(Wingspan 7-3”)

WT: 250 Lbs

Age: 22

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Brook Lopez

Summer League Profile:

Luke Kornet is coming off a solid year with the Knicks as a rookie on a two-way contract in 2017. Kornet is a prototypical bigman in the modern NBA as he spreads the floor with his long range shooting touch and has a uncanny ability to rim protect on the other side of the court. Kornet holds the record in the NCAA for most 3-point field goals by a 7-Footer and at Vanderbilt he holds their record as their top Shot-Blocker, of all time. Kornet should continue to develop with the Knicks and can have an impressive showing at the Vegas Summer League.

Mitchell Robinson

Position: C

College: Western Kentucky

Draft: 2018, 2^nd Round, 36^th Overall

HT: 7'1”(Wingspan 7-4”)

WT: 225 Lbs

Age: 20

TrueFan Pro Player Game Comparisons: Marcus Camby

Summer League Profile:

Mitchell Robinson is maybe the biggest mystery man of the Summer League. Robinson once touted as the best Defensive Big Man of the 2018 Draft Class, bypassed playing college basketball last year and so dropped his draft stock to the second round. The Knicks were able to get a highly talented player but in the Summer League Robinson will play for the first time at this level competition in over 16 months. This could be a coming out party for Robinson or a great learning experience. For many Knicks fans, seeing how Robinson plays in the Summer League will be important to say the Knicks had a great 2018 NBA Draft.

As we approach the Vegas Summer League, I have 3 main points for Knicks fans to watch for: 1) How Frank Ntilikina looks at the Point Guard Position? It will be very important to see how Knicks 2017 Lottery Pick plays coming into his second season. Already an elite defender, the Summer League should give Ntilikina a opportunity to work on further developing his offense. 2) Is Kevin Knox really that good? One of the more highlighted players in this Summer League will be the 9^th pick of the 2018 Draft in Kevin Knox. Knox already has said he wants the Rookie of the Year and this will be his first audition against his rookie peers. 3) What do the Knicks have in Mitchell Robinson? After taking Mitchell Robinson in the second round, many draft pundits gave the Knicks a great grade and called the selection a steal. If Robinson is as talented as he was coming out of High School, we should see signs early on in the Summer League.

Knicks 2018 Summer League Schedule

-Saturday, July 7^th @ 2:30 Vs Atlanta Hawks

-Sunday, July 8^th @ 6:00 Vs Utah Jazz

-Tuesday, July 10^th @ 5:30 Vs Los Angels Lakers

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