The hype isn’t slowing down for New York Knicks rookie Kevin Knox. The latest to jump on the bandwagon is Jim Jackson.
Kevin Knox’s performance in summer league turned him into one of the most hyped rookies in the NBA. The latest person to heap praise on the 19-year-old is ex-NBA star, Jim Jackson.
While talking to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Jackson went as far as comparing the New York Knicks rookie to Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker. Booker is one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA after dropping 70 points at just 20 years old.
Jackson claims that Booker and Knox have “all the same skills,” with the only difference being Knox is bigger. Booker is coming off his third season during which he averaged a career-high 24.9 points per game. If Knox can reach that level by year three, the Knicks will be thrilled.
Jackson continues, saying Knox will perform due to the fan’s infamous draft night reaction. He even thinks the youngster is ready to start.
“It’s not the physical,’’ Jackson said. “It’s the mental part. He’s got something to prove after getting booed on draft night. A player with that talent and motivation to prove something?
“Of course he can start as a rookie but it’s how effective he can be over all those games. It’s not like college and there’ll be a lot more workload early when Kristaps (Porzingis) is not available. But throw him to the fire and see what happens.’’
A starting spot should be available for Knox. Especially with veteran wing Courtney Lee seemingly on the way out.
