Forward Kevin Knox, a 2018 lottery pick, has reached a crossroads in his Knicks career and Knox remains hopeful he can gain coach Tom Thibodeau’s trust, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. He’s entering the last year of his rookie career and it’s highly unlikely the team will sign him to an extension.
“Right now, no one has really solidified minutes, solidified starters and bench players,” Knox said. “So it’s going into camp, going into the season with the right mindset that I really want to play this year. So I’m going to have to figure out a way to stay on the court and get minutes. So I’m really not worried about the trades and everything else. I’m just worried about getting in the rotation and being on the court.’’
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- The Nets aren’t sure whether Kyrie Irving will be allowed to practice with the team on Tuesday, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. Irving’s refusal to be vaccinated will prevent him from playing home games as well as participating in practices at the training facility under New York City rules. “I don’t have an update on that,” coach Steve Nash said. “So I really don’t know.”
- Sixers wing Furkan Korkmaz has parted ways with Excel Sports, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. He’ll pick a new agent soon, Carchia adds. Korkmaz re-signed with Philadelphia on a three-year, $15MM deal this summer.
- Juwan Morgan of the Celtics remains sidelined by a hamstring injury, Jared Weiss of The Athletic tweets. The injury imperils Morgan’s chances of making the team. The former Jazz forward, who hasn’t been able to participate in practices, signed a camp deal last month.
Saw some interviews Knox did at training camp. Sounds sincere and looks like he understands what’s at stake for him this yr. He came into league really young. Was still physically growing. NY is not the most patient fan base. Throw in that the confusion in FO and coaching he dealt with. Just not a good place for young talent. Rumors are that Kenny Payne (Kentucky) is big part of getting Randle right. And was also here to help all the Kentucky guys. Hopefully he got to Knox too. You are not going to get mins unless you play D. Knox low motor sometimes gives the wrong impression. Defense takes desire and sweat. He doesn’t really show a lot of emotion. Thibs is still getting to know him IMO. Well time is up now. So it’s put up or it’s over in NY. I’m rooting for him.
Knicks need a backup 3. Knox can fill that void. But you gotta get Thibs to trust you.
Knox is no wing, he is a bust like Bamba
Wouldn’t that make him a busted wing?
Bamba looked Good last night!
Nets should trade Kyrie. He should actually see a therapist or something cause I’m sure he’s nearly crazy. To think under LeBron he used to be a championship level point guard and easily top 3 in his position now days he’s always in the news for the wrong reason, not because he’s been playing well.
I know KD is his friend and all but it seems like Harden has already gravitated away from it. Although it won’t happen, Nets should trade him and Paul Millsap for Ben Simmons and Andre Drummond.
Nets get an elite defender in Ben and shooters to support him (Harden, KD, Harris, Mills, Thomas, Griffin). They also get Andre Drummond who has always been rumoured to go back to New York and would help fill minutes at centre getting rebounds and being productive off the bench.
Sixers get Kyrie who if he’s not doing or saying the wrong things is actually a good basketball player. Kyrie, Embiid, Harris that’s a very solid trio. Off the bench you do have a spot to fill at centre but Millsap and Bassey can do that.
Philly is trying to rid themselves of a PG with excess baggage – swapping theirs for someone else’s does nothing. Simmons, for all his faults, can actually stay on the court, whereas Kyrie finds new reasons each year to sit out.
On the other hand I don’t think the Nets have any use for Drummond (as they didn’t have for DeAndre Jordan last year). Millsap can still contribute in some ways, Drummond is just a burden in current basketball. But I agree they’d better trade Irving if they can get any decent return. He is a true headache and redundant with Harden.
Nets are really in a tough spot with Kyrie. He probably will follow through with his threat and retire if he’s traded. How can you keep him in the team, as a starter, if he can’t play home games or practice? Maybe the NBA can medically retire him for mental health… In all seriousness though, they need a plan. I don’t think this circus is the show they were planning on putting on.
It has to end extension talks… how can you commit to him if he can’t play half your games? I respect his standing up for his rights but it will definitely cost him in his situation…
Is there any chance he’d follow Wiggins lead and get the J&J vaccine? The problem with Kyrie is that once he’s made up his mind about something it’s nearly impossible to get him to change it.
Curious why Korkmaz is changing agents now. 3 years away from a deal, not like this new agent will do anything for him on that front. And he isn’t going to be an endorsement cash cow.
I hope Kyrie holds on & doesn’t cave in to the negative peer pressure like Wigs, the poor man was forced to get the vaccine, that is such a shameful behavior to force someone to get a vax… SMH!