New York Knicks market report for 2018-19 NBA season
Allonzo Trier of the New York Knicks on Oct. 3, 2018. Credit: Steven Ryan
STOCK RISING: Kevin Knox’s introduction to New York brought back echoes of Kristaps Porzingis with the draft-day cries for Michael Porter. But the No. 9 overall pick has started every preseason game, played more minutes than any other player and has flashed the potential to be a star.
STOCK FALLING: Emmanuel Mudiay’s physical tools make it understandable that he was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. But his performances show why the Nuggets gave up on him and why he is likely to have to scrap for minutes in New York. His scoring, assists and minutes have gone down every season.
STOCK STEADY: Enes Kanter arrived in the Carmelo Anthony trade, and while Anthony flaunted his New York roots, no one has embraced New York like Kanter, who hangs around Times Square, rides the subways and talks — everywhere. In a league that is putting less emphasis on traditional centers, he still is producing and willingly serves as a protector of the Knicks’ young players.
GOOD INVESTMENT: Allonzo Trier’s college career was checkered with question marks, and the result was that he went undrafted. But he has shown the athleticism and ability to score at the NBA level, and although he is on a two-way contract, he has earned a look.
RISK / REWARD: Frank Ntilikina was the last piece of the Phil Jackson era, a lottery pick made just before Jackson was fired as team president. The struggles of his rookie season have been replaced by questions of just what his role is.
