Kevin Knox is honored to bring his talent out of the Big Apple and showcase it on the national stage during All-Star weekend.
The 19-year-old rookie forward was added on Wednesday to play in the Rising Stars Game on Feb 15 in Charlotte. Knox received the nod as a replacement for Lakers' Lonzo Ball on the US team. The game features the game's top rookies and sophomores.
"It's a great accomplishment," Knox said. "My mom and dad will be out there too. Need to go out there and put on for the Knicks, but put on for the USA team as well. I feel very honored by it and just going to play hard."
Knox was the Knicks' first-round draft pick this year, selecting him with the ninth overall pick. He ranks seventh among NBA rookies with scoring, 12.5 points per game, and rebounding, 4.2 rebounds per game.
"I'm just going to go out there and play hard. It's a big stage for me," Knox said. "To be able to go out there and showcase my talent for those that haven't seen me."
New York head coach David Fizdale said he hoped Knox was initially selected instead of the snub he received last Tuesday, but it shows how close the rookie was to making it in the first place. Fizdale said the entire Knicks squad is taking great pride in Knox's selection.
"I told these guys, this is for all of us. Because everyone contributed to Kevin's work. I just want [the guys] around [Knox]. There's something about being around the best of the best that shows you that you belong. And hopefully that's a huge confidence booster for him in the last third of the season."