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New York Knicks: 5 players to watch in 2018 NBA Summer League

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks high-fives Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks high-fives Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks: 5 players to watch in Las Vegas Summer League
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

5. Luke Kornet

Coming into the offseason, the Knicks knew they had a big hole to fill at power forward. Kristaps Porzingis is recovering from a torn ACL and his timetable to return is up in the air. New York has yet to really address the position in free agency, as Michael Beasley, last season’s starter in place of Porzingis, is still unsigned. That is what makes Luke Kornet a player to watch in Las Vegas, though he has yet to suit up for a game.

Kornet was signed to a two-way deal by the Knicks the last offseason. However, the team signed him this week and he will be on the roster full-time. The offseason will be an important one for him as he could play his way into a rotation spot.

Kornet fits in today’s NBA. Despite standing 7’1”, Kornet has a nice stroke from beyond the 3-point line. He is a solid rim protector as well, giving the Knicks a Porzingis-light type of player.

Kornet averaged 16.0 points per game in the G League, making 48.9 percent of his shots and 44 percent from the 3-point line. That kind of floor-stretching ability is coveted in the NBA, as David Fizdale wants his bigs to be able to shoot from range. Kornet added 1.7 blocks per game as well.

Kornet played sparingly with the NBA team, but showed flashes when given a chance. He scored in double-figures five times and ended the season on a high-note with a 23-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

There are minutes available this season in the Knicks frontcourt. A strong showing in Las Vegas would go a long way for Kornet earning some of those minutes, so hopefully he’ll be back on the court soon.

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