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New York Knicks: Damyean Dotson needs to impress in NBA Summer League

By Ed Easton Jr.

LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 10: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEAGS, NV - JULY 10: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As the latest New York Knicks rookie continues to soar and impress the league, Damyean Dotson needs to push harder to stand out in NBA Summer League.

It’s no secret at this point that the New York Knicks may have a future star on their hands in first round selection Kevin Knox. Knox has been lighting up opponents in Las Vegas, displaying all the reasons why New York selected him ninth overall and passed on Michael Porter Jr.

In the midst of all the Knox praise so far this summer, the name Damyean Dotson has been put in jeopardy of being buried on the bench for another season. The second-year player is performing well in Summer League, but hasn’t left the same impression as his teammate Knox or like his performance in Orlando last year.

Dotson is currently averaging 6.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in three Summer League games so far and has struggled with his shot selection, only hitting 25 percent of his looks from the field. This is a far cry from the averages of 12.8 points and 5.0 rebounds last summer while shooting 48.0 percent from the field.

Dotson turned plenty of heads near the end of the regular season in a April 6 matchup with the Miami Heat. The former Houston Cougar had a career night with 31 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Knicks to an improbable home victory. The Madison Square Garden crowd was rocking, breathing new hope into the 24-year-old’s career.

The importance of a strong Summer League stems from the inevitable numbers game involving how many players to keep on the active roster. Dotson can play either wing position, but may find it difficult to earn playing time with the emergence of Knox and recent signing of Mario Hezonja.

The logjam on the wing will make for an interesting training camp as the young players will be looking to impress new head coach David Fizdale.

Dotson spoke about his impression of Fizdale recently during an interview with the New York Post:

"“Coach is a great guy, He knows what he is talking about. Very detailed and makes sure everyone is on the same page, feeding off each other and together. He’s big into making sure we come together, play together and believe in each other. That we produce, play hard and scrappy. All the things that you want a coach to do. He inherited that mindset from [Pat] Riley and [Erik] Spoelstra. He has instilled a great culture in himself and wants to put that into our team.”"

The confidence Fizdale shows in his young players will only go so far if Dotson doesn’t deliver in these final tournament matchups. He continued during that same interview to explain the lessons learned from his rookie year.

"“My rookie year was decent. I wasn’t super consistent and I need to be more consistent with knowing my role and defensive assignments. Sometimes I slipped up on assignments. I learned a lot throughout the season about what I need to get better at. I think it showed toward the end of the season when I was getting more playing time. The G-League experience was also great for me. It helped my confidence, showing me that I belong. I was also able to score the basketball and grab rebounds and play like I did in college.”"

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If Dotson can prove that he can hit shots consistently and grab more rebounds, there will definitely be a spot for him in the rotation. Fizdale has preached the importance of having tough players on his team and the fiery attitude of Dotson sounds like the perfect player for the Knicks’ new system.

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