Hoops Habit
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5 players to watch at 2019 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Allonzo Trier #14 and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks wait to rebound during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Allonzo Trier #14 and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks wait to rebound during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

2. New York’s youngsters

The early hours of free agency were not kind to the New York Knicks. Having been linked to Kyrie Irving and especially Kevin Durant all season long, the front office did its part to clear out the necessary cap space. Not only did they lose out on two of the biggest fish on the market, but they watched the duo waltz over the Brooklyn Bridge to join the Brooklyn Nets.

The front office wasn’t one to sulk around, immediately using its precious cap space to fill out the roster on deals no more than two years in length — with the exception of Julius Randle. Not only was this done to maintain flexibility moving forward, but the goal for New York was to surround its core of young talent that will serve as the future for the organization.

Fans may mock their free agent failures, but the truth is the Knicks have a lot of potential on their roster, most of whom will suit up in Vegas. Kevin Knox struggled mightily as a 19-year-old rookie, but he had his highs and is no stranger to Summer League success, having averaged 21.2 points and 6.5 rebounds a night in 2018.

Mitchell Robinson surprised everyone with his play this past season on his way to a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. Allonzo Trier was a gem found after the 2018 NBA Draft. Then there’s R.J. Barrett, the most recent No. 3 overall pick who possesses the talent and personality to become a star in the Big Apple.

After striking out, it’s now clear that those who were no more than afterthoughts in the haze of free agency daydreams are now front and center moving forward for New York. The type of show they put on might show us how bright the future in the Big Apple is while also helping to dig Knicks fans out of their current state of misery.