New York Knicks - Analysing the off-season thus far

Drafting Tim Hardaway Junior: The Knicks used their 24th pick in the draft to select Tim Hardaway Jr. who played for the Michigan Wolverines.

Tim Hardaway Junior

Hardaway Jr. is the son of former Miami Heat All-Star Tim Hardaway, known for his lethal crossover. Hardaway Jr., a 6’6” shooting guard, can play the role of backup to J.R. Smith and can also be an able foil to Carmelo Anthony on the wing.

Hardaway Jr. had a good workout with the Knicks in the summer, which prompted them to pick his services. His all-round ability shone in the Knicks’s Las Vegas Summer League opener where he recorded 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

During the NBA’s Rookie Transition Program, he impressed many with his “leadership abilities and his thoughtful and compelling questions”, as described by the NBA’s SVP of Player Development, Greg Taylor.

Signing C.J. Leslie: The Knicks’ roster of the recent past has shown their tendency to pursue players who are in their prime or established veterans who are nearing their twilight, with no impetus given to youth.

The Knicks also haven’t had much activity in the Draft, sacrificing many picks through trades. But the Knicks have bucked the trend this year by signing many young players, one of whom is C.J Leslie.

Leslie, a 6’9” small forward, went undrafted in 2013, which surprised many. The former North Carolina State man then represented the Knicks in the Summer League and was subsequently snapped up by them.

Known for his explosive athleticism and above-the-rim play, he can really help the Knicks frontcourt, which lacks a consistent rebounder apart from Tyson Chandler.

Signing Jeremy Tyler: Another young player who caught the eye of Mike Woodson during the Summer League, Tyler signed a two-year non-guaranteed contract with the Knicks.

The Knicks coaches were particularly impressed by Tyler’s intensity on the glass, especially while garnering offensive rebounds. During the Summer League, Tyler had two games in which he grabbed 5 offensive rebounds.

Overall, his Summer League statistics were impressive as he averaged 12.8 points and 6.4 rebounds over 17.6 minutes in five games. Tyler was once regarded as a top national prospect with scouts being particularly impressed with his strong and quick footwork before he surprisingly decided to play overseas. Eventually, interest in him died down after he failed to make a mark abroad.

In the Summer League though, his commitment was never in question, as he was active on defence, communicating with teammates and protecting the rim.