Kevin Knox will replace the injured Lonzo Ball in the Mtn Dew Ice Rising Stars Game and represent the New York Knicks at All-Star weekend.
Despite his initial snub, New York Knicks rookie Kevin Knox will be in Charlotte, North Carolina to represent during All-Star weekend. The promising rookie will take Lonzo Ball’s place on the USA team and join fellow rookies Trae Young, Marvin Bagley III, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Ball is currently hobbled with a left ankle injury.
RISING ⭐️
(@MountainDew) pic.twitter.com/1iFtJktgrX— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 6, 2019
Like all rookies, Knox is having his ups and downs. Fortunately for the Knicks, he’s showing significant signs of progress. The University of Kentucky product was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December.
Knox is averaging 12.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game on poor shooting numbers, but that’s due in large part to the trust head coach David Fizdale has in Knox. He’s giving him a long leash to work through his issues on the court. He’s already had a few scoring explosions in his young career including a 31-point outburst against the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 13.
Knox showcases a consistent ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes that should improve as he grows more comfortable. With his length and athleticism, he has the potential to become a dominant offensive player.
Aside from Knox, the only Knick representing New York will be Dennis Smith Jr. in the dunk contest. Knox’s selection to the Rising Stars game will certainly carry more weight for New Yorkers due to the fact that Smith has only played two games with the Knicks.
