New York Knicks: Kevin Knox
There was a slight hope that in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, the availability of increased opportunities would benefit New York Knicks rookie Kevin Knox. To a certain extent, that sentiment was true.
He averaged 12.8 points per game and shot 34.3 percent from beyond the arc, but his struggles were of historic proportions.
Over the last five years, there have been 349 players with more than 12.0 shot attempts per game in a single season — with a minimum of 1,000 minutes. Of that number, Knox’s field goal percentage during his inaugural NBA campaign ranks No. 346 at just 37.0 percent.
In Knox’s defense, he wasn’t even 20 years old. There have been 11 teenagers under similar circumstances throughout NBA history and only one has shot above 45.0 percent — Kyrie Irving.
It’s a tough task to handle with a level of pressure only magnified by the Knicks brand, but it’s one he’ll have to grow accustomed to succeed long-term.
He’s got all of the physical traits at 6’8” with a 6’11” wingspan and a bouncy vertical, but his historically poor shooting had many close the book on him before he could cobble together a response.
As the Knicks now sit as the punchline of every joke, they could use a bright spot to shine through during what is sure to be a rough 2019-20 season.
Knox wasn’t selected ninth overall by accident. He won Rookie of the Month honors in December with 17.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game with some productive outings sprinkled across the regular season.
He might be a longer project than originally thought, but the Knicks certainly have the time. Year two isn’t about turning the haters into believers per se.
The goal should be taking an encouraging step forward at both ends that lets New York’s talent-hungry fan base know that despite the slow start, everything is going to be alright.