https://youtu.be/S565dw2lk1w
Everybody Else
- Willy Hernangomez: signed a four-year, $5.7 million contract
- Mindaugas Kuzminskas: signed a two-year, $6 million contract
- Marshall Plumlee: signed a three-year contract w/first year guaranteed
- Ron Baker: signed a partially-guaranteed contract
- Chasson Randle: signed a partially-guaranteed contract
- J.P. Tokoto: signed a partially-guaranteed contract
- Maurice Nduor: signed a two-year contract
The Knicks have filled out their roster with International prospects Willy Hernangomez and Mindaugas Kuzminskas, rookies Marshall Plumlee and Ron Baker, and an assortment of D-League/Overseas prospects.
None of these prospects are expected to play significant minutes in 2016-17, but Hernangomez is the most important. The Knicks drafted him in the second round in 2015 and have expectations for him.
Unlike his friend Porzingis, Hernangomez prefers to go down low in the post and play more of an old school center style.
No one had heard of Kuzminskas before he signed with the Knicks and there’s still very little known about him now.
DraftExpress has a profile on him from 2010.
“Kuzminskas’s best asset is his spot up jump shot, which he can get off at a terrific rate thanks to his 6-9 size. A highly capable shooter with excellent range, a high release point, and tremendous touch, the young small forward is more than capable of stretching the floor on any level.”
At the end of the day, Kuzminskas may not have the physical tools or versatility to not be labeled as a Steve Novak-esqe one dimensional player for the NBA level, which makes him a candidate for the second round at best. With that said, his skill level and size give him immense potential in the European game, with a chance to crack the NBA down the road as a specialist nonetheless. Considering his status as a late bloomer, he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on, particularly if his frame fills out, and a number of teams have taken a documented interest in his recent play.
That’s from six years ago, so take that for what it’s worth.
The Knicks know exactly what they’re getting with Marshall Plumlee. He won’t score but he can help on defense and on the glass.
Maurice Nduor played well for the Knicks in summer league last season before the Mavericks signed him. New York didn’t miss out on him two years in a row and he’ll definitely be in competition for the final roster spot.
Ron Baker and Chasson Randle were great in summer league. Randle averaged 18.3 points per game and Baker was 37% from downtown.
Baker’s ability to defend both guard positions could earn him the 15th and final spot but Randle became a fan favorite when he lit up the scoreboard during the summer.
