The New York Knicks have been pleased with their play in summer league so far as both Jerian Grant and Kristaps Porzingis are turning doubters into believers. Phil Jackson and company need the younger players to turn into success stories simply because of their disappointing free agency run. After not getting the stars they wanted the Knicks need talent in the rookies. Grant is giving them just that.
Grant came to the Knicks following the trade of Tim Hardaway Jr to the Atlanta Hawks. With uncertainties at the point guard position, Grant is going to be given every chance possible to make his way to the court on Opening Night. According to Newsday.com, the rookie point guard is looking every bit the star in summer league as he outshined D'Angelo Russell in their recent head-to-head matchup.
"We really enjoy having his playmaking ability out there, his vision and his comfort level handling the basketball," head coach Derek Fisher said, via Newsday.com. "To play the guard in our system, both guards have to be able to make plays. Jerian gives us a little bit of versatility in that way."
According to Fisher, Grant is not expected to be a starter immediately, but his success is ending the idea of bringing someone else on to help at the spot. Grant will be sharing a backcourt with Jose Calderon and Langston Galloway along with Arron Afflalo. Fisher is confident that should be enough for the season ahead.
"We hope so," Fisher said. "There's still a lot for him to learn: taking care of the basketball, valuing possessions, defensively, understanding personnel and what guys' strengths are. You don't draft guys that high in the first round without thinking they probably can help you quickly. It's our job to develop them over the summer and the preseason to make sure that that happens."
The Knicks have been linked to several roster moves this offseason including the point guard position. Trades for players like Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Jennings and Ty Lawson have all been mentioned. There is still a chance that Calderon gets dealt. According to the New York Post, the Knicks would certainly not turn down a deal for the veteran in order to get his salary off the books, but unless something good is offered in return, they will stay put for now.
According to ESPN's Ian Begley, the Knicks are eyeing Josh Smith in free agency, but only at a small, trade exception contract which he might not be willing to take. Smith remains on the market and is reportedly considering his options. Begley writes that the Knicks would like his versatility coming off the bench in place of Carmelo Anthony. However, Smith signed a contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday according to ESPN.
