Fansided

5 most impressive rookies in Summer League

By Rucker Haringey

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks dribbles against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

1. Kevin Knox

The Knicks’ hype machine may be going a little overboard with their immediate expectations for Knox, but there’s no denying the fact that he’s been really impressive this summer. At the very least, the Knicks coaching staff can comfortably expect Knox to be a contributor as a rookie.

Like Jackson, Knox is one of the youngest players competing this summer. He’s got a lot of room to grow. The fact that he’s already able to score in a variety of ways against this level of competition is a really good sign for his future.

Knox has averaged over 23 points per game while averaging over 30 minutes this summer. You’d like to see his efficiency be a little better though. He’s only shooting 39 percent from the field. Much of that can be attributed to his struggles from behind the arc.

The bright side is that he’s been dynamic in transition. Knox uses his length, long strides and surprisingly good ball handling ability to leave defenders in the dust. He’s also got the hops to finish with authority on the break. David Fizdale will work to get Knox out in the open floor as much as possible next season.

Next: NBA Draft 2018: 5 players who went to the wrong team

Given Knox’s draft position, he’s been the most impressive rookie of the summer. The Knicks may have secured themselves another young talent to build around. Knox and Kristaps Porzingis could form an interesting duo to attract a big name free agent to the Big Apple this summer.

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