Rookie Damyean Dotson is facing plenty of tough competition for playing time in the New York Knicks rotation off the bench.
The career of New York Knicks second round draft pick Damyean Dotson is off to a promising start as he continues to find his way in the NBA. His raw talent will need to be matched with smart play and versatility as he attempts to break into the rotation of a very crowded bench.
The University of Houston college star has been able to translate his skills quickly into the more complex NBA atmosphere. Dotson averaged 17.4 points per game with the Cougars, primarily as a catch-and-shoot player. Being selected 44th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft to be a developmental player in the Knicks’ youth movement, Dotson already looks as if he belongs in the regular rotation over some veterans.
Dotson averaged 12.8 points per game during the five games in Orlando Summer League, showing no lack of confidence on the court. He was the leader on the floor for the 1-4 Summer League Knicks, displaying excellent court vision and athleticism.
His ability to take over a game was on full display during a matchup against the Miami Heat. Dotson poured in 20 points, grabbed nine rebounds and dished four assists, showing early indications of his talent all over the court.
In New York’s most recent preseason game, the team embarrassed on its home floor by James Harden and the Houston Rockets. Nevertheless, Dotson had a strong game against his hometown squad, scoring 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting a blistering 3-for-5 from 3-point range.
Dotson is battling with current Knicks veterans Michael Beasley, Doug McDermott, Lance Thomas, Courtney Lee and Mindaugas Kuzminskas for playing time at the crowded wing position. His impressive play will make the decision tougher for head coach Jeff Hornacek and company, but may not be enough unless one of the players named is traded.
Ian Begley of ESPN New York reports that starting shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is praising Dotson’s effort on the floor defensively.
"“He’s going to give you his all every single possession, strong, athletic, doesn’t take anything from nobody…It’s tough scoring against him. He’s kind of an aggravating defender. He gets his hands into the passing lanes, deflects the basketballs, really gets up into you when you have the ball in your hand and forces you to do things on his terms.”"
Dotson’s best way to break into the rotation will be proving he’s a lockdown defender and walk a similar path to former Knicks rookie, Iman Shumpert. During an interview with the New York Post, Dotson addressed the Shumpert comparisons, taking them as a compliment.
"“Defensewise, he’s a great defender, I’ll take that all day. I keep working on it — whatever I can do to get on the court. Defense is one of my main focuses right now because I know defense has set me apart from a lot of guys.”"
New York has given up over 100 points in each loss this preseason and will be looking to fix that in the finale Friday night at home against the Washington Wizards.
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This will be Dotson’s last preseason opportunity to fully prove his worth on the Knicks’ roster moving forward.