Knicks fans may want to rethink their booing of Kevin Knox on Draft night after what he has shown in his first taste of the NBA.
Knox has lit up the Summer League Las Vegas court in his first two contest against the Hawks and Jazz, and he's generating tons of praise. One NBA executive who was very blunt in his scouting report of the 18-year-old.
"He's f--king really good," the anonymous executive told The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov. "A real stud."
After collecting 22 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes in the first game with Atlanta, the 6-foot-9 forward added 19 points, five boards, and two steals on Sunday night against Utah.
It wasn't just the stat sheet that provided a glimpse at what Knox can do with the pill. He also showcased his knack for the highlight-reel play, soaring through the lane for a few thunderous dunks.
Throw it down young fella 😤 pic.twitter.com/DjdktALHXQ
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 7, 2018
Deja vu 🔨😳 pic.twitter.com/z8kxVEN1s4
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 9, 2018
Knox has been attacking the basket early, which is exactly what head coach David Fizdale wants to see from the No. 9 overall pick.
"It's what the coaches wanted me to be from the jump," Knox told Newsday's Al Iannazzone. "They wanted me to be able to attack the basket, get to the free-throw line. That's kind of what I did. I settled myself in. I got to the free-throw line, hit some shots and next thing I know, I was playing really well. I want to keep staying aggressive, keep getting to the basket."
If Knox can continue to produce like this, he could very well make his case for the starting lineup when the real games kick off.