New York Knicks: 4 goals following 2019 NBA All-Star break
4. Continue adding reclamation projects
There haven’t been many bright spots in the Big Apple this season. With so many losses, it is tough to find positives. However, one of the positives to come from this season is the gems that have been unearthed throughout the year.
During the draft, the Knicks look to have gotten one of the biggest steals in Mitchell Robinson. They used the No. 39 overall pick, which was acquired in the Carmelo Anthony trade, to select him. Allonzo Trier was added as an undrafted free agent to a two-way deal but quickly worked his way to a full-time contract.
Following the draft in free agency, former lottery picks Noah Vonleh and Mario Hezonja were signed. Hezonja has shown some flashes, but Vonleh has really blossomed. He brings it every night and has grown as a player, even having the freedom to initiate offense after some defensive rebounds to push the ball. The additions haven’t stopped during the season.
Kadeem Allen, a 2017 second round pick of the Boston Celtics, has looked great in New York after cutting a ton of weight and getting back into shape. In 10 games with the orange and blue, Allen is averaging 10.1 points, 4.5 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per game. He is shooting the ball well, knocking down 48.7 percent of his looks overall and shooting 50 percent from the 3-point line.
John Jenkins has also performed well with the Knicks after strong play with the Westchester Knicks in the G League. Jenkins signed a 10-day deal but signed a two-year deal during the All-Star break. His 3-point shooting prowess should keep him in the lineup the remainder of the season.
Also over the All-Star break, the Knicks brought in another former lottery pick in Henry Ellenson, who was released by the Detroit Pistons. He should have opportunities to show his stuff, just as the other Knicks have as evaluating talent is the No. 1 priority right now.