In the latest edition of The Putback featuring Ian Begley, former GM of Phoneix Suns (2013-18) and Boston Celtics executive (2003-13) Ryan McDonough joined the show to talk about Knicks with Begley and Chris Williamson by SNY.
As the Knicks try to turn the corner under new manager Tom Thibodeau, one of the most enigmatic pieces on the roster is Kevin Knox, whom the team selected ninth overall in 2018.
The real question is whether Knox, who underperformed, can reach his full potential with the Knicks or whether he would be more valuable as a potential trading chip.
But according to McDonough, who is now co-host of Scal & Pals on Radio.com, the problem is that Knox’s value around the NBA has declined since he left Kentucky.
“I think it’s on the decline right now,” McDonough said of Knox’s value as a commercial asset. “I think it was quite high a few years ago coming out of the project. People liked his length, they liked his athleticism. As you know, conceptually that’s what teams want: a long, athletic winger who can shoot and score. However, it didn’t do it efficiently.
At 6-foot-7 with the ability to throw three and defend the wing, Knox definitely has the potential to be a star in the NBA. But in two seasons, his production didn’t reach that potential. Knox averaged 9.9 points while shooting 33.7% three-point shooting, and both categories dropped in 2019-20 (6.4 points on 32.7% three-point shooting), as well as the attacker’s playing time of 17.9 minutes per game, compared to 28.8 minutes as a beginner).
McDonough explained that for Knox to take the next step, he needs to focus on two things: efficiency and strength training.
“I think the next step for Kevin would be to become more efficient with his shooting and scoring, and then strength and physicality,” McDonough said. “I think it’s important for Knicks fans to keep in mind that this is still a very young player. As I look at her body, I think there is still a way to get there. I think it will fill out, but it has to, guys. He must engage in strength training and nutrition.