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

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 Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images

4. Allonzo Trier

Last year, the NBA introduced two more roster spots in the way of the two-way contract. Players on a two-way contract spend a majority of the season in the G League, but can spend 45 days with the NBA team. This year, the Knicks used one of those two-way deals on Arizona shooting guard, Allonzo Trier.

There were rumors leading up to the 2018 NBA Draft that Trier could be selected in the second round. It ended up not happening, as the Knicks landed him as an undrafted free agent hours after the draft concluded.

Trier can really fill it up. He averaged 16.8 points per game in three seasons at Arizona. He scored in a multitude of ways, making 47.9 percent from the field, 37.8 percent from the 3-point line and 82.7 percent from the foul line. In two Summer League games, he’s posted 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game, albeit on 32 percent shooting.

Trier showed improvement as a distributor and playmaker during his time with the Wildcats. That is important for him at the next level, as he isn’t overly athletic and needs a little more size before he can compete full time at shooting guard. His defense leaves a little to be desired, but his scoring is legit.

The Knicks have a crowded backcourt right now, but Trier is someone that could see playing time later in the season, especially if the Knicks move some of their veteran backcourt players.