NBA Free Agency 2016: 5 targets New York Knicks

By Jaylyn Cook | Jul 1, 2016

Mar 24, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) laugh on the court during second half time out against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 106-94. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 20, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (17) defends against Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Cleanthony Early (SF) or Ron Baker (SG)

The New York Post reported that third year guard Early will receive another chance at making a name for himself in the Big Apple, as he’s been selected to play alongside his former Wichita State teammate Ron Baker on the Knicks Summer League team.

It’s no secret that Early’s career so far has been sub-subpar, but as a first-hand observer of the massive amount of raw talent and potential he embodies (I graduated from Bradley, which is a conference rival of WSU. We got spanked by Early and the Shockers far too many times), I believe that he’ll find his groove on the roster sooner than later.

Maybe that potential will come to light when he and Baker are reunited during the Summer League, as they played well with one another all throughout their bouts of collegiate dominance. Baker is a proven sharpshooter, and Early has shown several times that he can finish with authority.

Both have loads of potential to become serviceable cogs on an NBA roster, so what’s the harm of giving them a chance? After all, not a whole lot of proven stars or role players want to risk suffering through another classic Knick season, so it would probably be safe to give the eager young guys a chance to prove their worth.

Next: 1. Dwight Howard

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