Knicks Summer League: Who’ll Make the Team?

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Though most of the attention surrounding the New York Knicks has been on forward Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks are off to a good start in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League. The Knicks beat the Dallas Mavericks, 76-64, on Friday. On Saturday, the Knicks beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 71-69, thanks to some heroics from point guard Shane Larkin late in the game. Two games in, the Knicks are 2-0 and playing well. Since it’s only the Summer League, most aren’t focused on the wins and losses. Most people, including me, though I love seeing the Knicks win (even in the Summer League), are focused on who will and will not make the team. The Knicks have a very good Summer League team, but how many of the players will make the roster?

Cole Aldrich, Center

Cole Aldrich made the team last season. He didn’t see much action early in the regular season, but due to injuries, Aldrich received more playing time in the second half of the season. He finished last season strong. In a 109-98 Knicks win against the Brooklyn Nets on April 15th (second-to-last game), Aldrich scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in 26 minutes. In the final game of the season, a 95-92 win over the Toronto Raptors, Aldrich scored 13 points with 16 rebounds and 5 blocks in 40 minutes. He had a field goal percentage above 60 percent in both games. Cole was also impressive on Friday against the Mavericks. He showed encouraging signs on both ends, as he blocked shots, rebounded the ball, and made smart plays and good passes in the post. Against the Mavericks, Aldrich scored 9 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots in 31 minutes of play. The Knicks released Lamar Odom and re-signed Aldrich on Friday. Cole did not play against the Blazers on Sunday.

Will Cole Aldrich make the team? The answer is yes, as we got the answer to that question on Friday when the Knicks re-signed Aldrich.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Guard

The Knicks selected Tim Hardaway Jr. with the 24th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. It proved to be a great pick and one of the major steals of the entire draft, as Hardaway Jr. went on to have a terrific rookie campaign. In limited minutes, Hardaway Jr. exceeded expectations, provided scoring off the bench, and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. In the first two Summer League games this season, Hardaway Jr. has been impressive once again and has shown his terrific ability to score and shoot. He is averaging 22..5 points in 25.5 minutes per game.

Will Tim Hardaway Jr. make the team? Of course. He’s young, has good size, great potential, and can shoot. Hardaway Jr. is only on the Summer League roster to improve his overall game and continue his development. He will definitely make the team.

Shane Larkin, Guard

Shane Larkin was acquired by the Knicks prior to the 2014 NBA Draft in a trade with the Mavericks. Larkin was sidelined with a broken foot last year at this time. When he returned, he received inconsistent minutes. His play as a rookie was inconsistent, too. Now, Larkin is looking to show the Knicks that he can be a valuable rotation player. With only Pablo Prigioni and Jose Calderon ahead of him, Larkin will likely make the team. Larkin has played well so far in the Summer League, aside from missing a lot of open mid-range jump shots. He made the game-winning basket on Saturday against the Trail Blazers. His clutch play helped the Knicks complete the comeback victory. Larkin has averaged 8.5 points, 6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals in 29 minutes per game.

Will Shane Larkin make the team? Yes, he will. He has lots of upside and potential. Combine that with the way he’s played in the Summer League, and he’ll make the team.

Cleanthony Early, Forward

Cleanthony Early was an absolute steal by the New York Knicks at 34th overall. He had first round talent. Luckily, he was available early in the second round. Early was a great scorer and shooter in college at Wichita State. He has displayed that ability to shoot and score so far in the Summer League, as he has excelled, averaging 12 points in 28 minutes per game with a 42.1 field goal percentage. He isn’t the best defender, but is a good athlete with plenty of upside.

Will Cleanthony Early make the team? Yes, Early will make the team. He was a steal at 34th overall and has first round talent with lots of potential. Aside from missing a critical layup late in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Early has played great basketball in the Summer League.

Aldrich, Hardaway Jr., Larkin, and Early are the locks, or near locks, to make the Knicks’ roster. After that, things get interesting with guys like Shannon Brown, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Jeremy Tyler, and others fighting for roster spots.

Shannon Brown- Brown had a solid performance against the Trail Blazers, knows Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher well, and is familiar with the triangle offense. He could get a training camp invite but with the Knicks already having so many guards, his chances are slim.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo- Thanasis has played intense defense so far and that’s something the Knicks need. He’s still young, a good defender, and has upside, but he has committed a lot of fouls and has plenty of developing to do. I wouldn’t be shocked if he made the team, but according to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks plan on sending him to Europe to develop his game.

Jeremy Tyler- The Knicks are in a need of big men and Tyler was on the team last season. He can provide energy, defense, and has a solid mid-range shot, but commits a lot of fouls and is still raw overall. Tyler likely will get a training camp invite, though, as the Knicks need big men.

Everyone else likely won’t make the team, but they still have a chance, as there are plenty of games to be played. Zane Johnson and Jordan Henriquez are two guys who I have liked, though they haven’t shown enough yet to earn a roster spot. Johnson had a huge block against the Trail Blazers.

The Knicks play the Charlotte Hornets next on Monday at 4 p.m. EST.

Stats used in this article are via NBA.com and ESPN.go.com and are accurate as of Sunday, July 13th at 1:57 AM EST.