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New York Knicks: 3 players not likely to return in 2020-21

ByHolden Walter-Warner|
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Wayne Ellington #2 and Bobby Portis #1 of the New York Knicks look on during player introductions prior to an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 27, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 27: Wayne Ellington #2 and Bobby Portis #1 of the New York Knicks look on during player introductions prior to an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 27, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks
New York Knicks Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

2. Bobby Portis

It was around the time the Bobby Portis link to New York became public last summer that Knicks fans started wondering if there was any plan at all for free agency. Sure enough, Portis did exactly what was expected of him – nothing more, nothing less.

In a vacuum, Portis’ production doesn’t look all that bad. He managed to score 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, despite playing in just 21.1 minutes per game due to the crowded frontcourt depth chart. He even managed to drop 28 points against the Chicago Bulls in a prototypical revenge game.

https://twitter.com/nyknicks/status/1273374865458966533

But on defense, Portis was terrible, frequently mixing up his assignments and allowing opponents to score easy points on him. The energy that propels him forward on the offensive end mysteriously vanishes from him on the defensive end.

Ultimately, Portis has proven he can be the kind of player who can be on the bench of a contender. The Knicks are not a contender. The Knicks also can’t afford to be paying someone $15.75 million to play that role.

The writing is already on the wall for Portis, with the Knicks reportedly planning on declining Portis’ team option for 2020-21. Anything can still happen, but that seems like a prudent decision at this point.

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