The New York Knicks could certainly use some reinforcements with their selection in the NBA Draft and they’re already testing the waters with a Syracuse University standout.
The New York Knicks finished with a 29-53 record in the 2017-18 season with nothing to show for their pitiful performance. The Syracuse Orange, on the other hand, finished up their magical run with a 23-14 record, losing in the Sweet Sixteen to the Duke Blue Devils.
It seems that the Knicks may want some magic from the Orange, as Adam Zagoria from NYTSports reported that the Knicks were to work out Tyus Battle this weekend.
Syracuse wing Tyus Battle to work out for the #Knicks this weekend
https://t.co/ydqiVmCelp@theknicksblog— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 24, 2018
Battle played a key role in the Orange’s majestic tournament run this past season. He played every single minute of their four rounds in the tournament, averaging 14.5 points per game. He also had a stellar showing against Duke in the Sweet Sixteen, scoring 19 points and five assists.
Battle also had a highlight moment in the Round of 32, nailing a step-back, fadeaway jumper in the final minute to put ‘Cuse ahead of Michigan State for good in the upset.
Various sources have determined that there have been plenty of players already working out for the Knicks. That list includes Michigan State’s Nick Ward and Georgetown’s Jessie Govan, with some later workouts scheduled for North Carolina’s Theo Pinson and Michigan’s Charles Matthews.
Battle just finished up his sophomore year with the Orange and has been a great asset to a team that was lacking guard strength. Battle averaged 19.2 points per game last season while averaging 39 minutes per game. Battle ranked third in the ACC in points per game.
According to Mike Waters of Syracuse.com, Battle has already worked out for four teams: The Los Angeles Clippers, the Orlando Magic, the Brooklyn Nets and the Knicks.
We are still awaiting the details on how this workout went for the Knicks and Battle but from the looks of this prospect, it sounds like it could be a good match for them.
