It took a Lonzo Ball injury for him to get there, but Knicks rookie Kevin Knox tried to make the most of his appearance in Friday's Rising Stars game as part of the NBA's All-Star weekend.
The 19-year-old played 16 minutes for Team USA, which defeated Team World, 161-144. Knox had 11 points, two rebounds and assist, going 5-for-9 from the field including 1-for-3 from 3-point range. Knox was tied for the second-fewest minutes on the team after playing in a back-to-back with the Knicks Wednesday and Thursday.
Knox's most noteworthy play of the night came when he finished off a behind-the-back pass from Trae Young with a two-handed slam.
Kevin Knox is growing up so fast. (via @theknickswall) pic.twitter.com/8F9PGjzsmP
- SNY (@SNYtv) February 16, 2019
His coach for the game was Kyrie Irving, an impending free agent whom the Knicks likely will target this summer after their Kristaps Porzingis trade cleared enough cap space for the Knicks to sign two max free agents. Kyle Kuzma's 35 points Friday earned him MVP.
Knox, whom the Knicks selected No. 9 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, was not originally chosen to participate in the Rising Stars game. The Kentucky product is averaging 12.5 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game this season.
Dennis Smith Jr., whom the Knicks acquired from Dallas in the Porzingis trade, will represent the team Saturday night in the Slam Dunk contest.