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Looking At Free Agent To-Be’s On The New York Knicks, Part I

By Sean Linhares

Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors point guard Cory Joseph (6) attempts to play defense at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors point guard Cory Joseph (6) attempts to play defense at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (11) goes up for a shot while Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) defends during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (11) goes up for a shot while Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) defends during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleanthony Early

This is an interesting one.

When Early was drafted by Phil Jackson in 2014 as the fourth selection in the second round, many claimed it was the steal of the draft. Cleanthony, a standout from Wichita State, had great size and could score in droves, plus was believed to have something of an “it-factor” after a great performance against Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament.

A year and a half into his NBA career and it’s still difficult to see what Early will be.

After a solid rookie campaign that showed flashes of brilliance from the Middletown, New York native, coach Derek Fisher never moved his sophomore wing into the rotation, with Early playing in only 34 minutes of action through Dec. 30. A robbery would leave Cle with a bullet wound to his knee, an injury said to land him in the training room until at earliest the All-Star game.

Fisher has said that he hasn’t quit on Early yet, but after a mostly lackluster rookie campaign and almost no playing time this season, should the Knicks cut their losses and move on?

To be honest, it’s difficult to answer that question right now. Much is still unknown about the structural damage to Cle’s knee, making his future a complete mystery. If that joint doesn’t heal up, it might be time for the Knicks to say goodbye for now and decline his team option. If it does heal, the team still must answer the question of whether or not Early can be a legitimate player in this league.

Verdict: TBA

Next: Galloway

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