New York Knicks: Kevin Knox named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month

Danny Small • 01/03/2019

Kevin Knox is coming along in his rookie year and the New York Knicks young star was recently named Eastern Conference Player of the Month.

[sc name=”Small MSG Banner”]

The sky is the limit for Kevin Knox. The New York Knicks took the lanky swingman out of the University of Kentucky with the ninth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The former Wildcat is already producing.

Knox was recently named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month while early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, Luka Doncic, took home the honor for the Western Conference.

The Kia NBA Rookies of the Month for December! #KiaROTM @luka7doncic of the @dallasmavs (West)@KevKnox of the @nyknicks (East) pic.twitter.com/2Yssw3h9bZ

— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2019

Knox had a slow start to the season marred by an injury that kept him out of seven games. Since returning, the Knicks are giving Knox a long leash and he’s exhibiting significant signs of progress.

The 19-year-old averaged 17.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game during December. He only shot 41 percent from the floor during the month, but the Knicks are giving him the confidence to continue shooting through cold streaks.

[sc name=”Knicks Center”]

Of course, Knox is still a long way from reaching his full potential. He still has trouble guarding off the ball and he’s falling off in the second halves of games this season. Whether that’s because of coaching or Knox himself is another story entirely. It’s most likely a combination of both, but it’s something to keep an eye on as Knox continues to grow into his role.

Despite the typical rookie struggles (defensive, consistency, etc.), Knox is showing all the signs of a potential star. He’s a gifted offensive player with all the physical tools to develop into a solid defender.

As the calendar turns to 2019, Knox is one of the young players that would indicate that the Knicks have a promising future.

[sc name=”Knicks Link Next” link=”https://elitesportsny.com/2019/01/01/new-york-knicks-starting-5-kevin-knox-rudy-gobert-and-the-road-ahead/” text=”New York Knicks Starting 5: Kevin Knox, Rudy Gobert, And The Road Ahead” ]