Three Westchester Knicks Questions For 2018-19 Season

The Westchester Knicks are in the early stages of the 2018-19 season. The team has experienced bright moments through their first five games, which include a strong second half performance against the Delaware Blue Coats and John Jenkins’ franchise-record 44 points against the Lakeland Magic. While there are 46 games left in the season, there are several questions that need to be answered before the season’s end.

How can the Westchester Knicks build off last year’s success and become one of the top developmental teams in the NBA G League?

The Westchester Knicks had their best season in franchise history when the team recorded a 32-18 record and reached the postseason for the second time. The team featured nine rookies and all of them grew as the season progressed.

Four of the five players in Westchester’s starting five played huge roles in the team’s success. Nigel Hayes and Xavier Rathan-Mayes earned call-ups, while two-way players Isaiah Hicks and Luke Kornet spent the final segment of their rookie season with the New York Knicks. Veteran guard Trey Burke bet on himself in the G League and found his way back into the NBA. The five call-ups by Westchester tied the Texas Legends and Northern Arizona Suns for most in the G League.

The 2017-18 season will live in on in team history when it comes to development of players and success of the team. But how can the team sustain that success in the years to come and cement themselves as a top developmental organization? With Craig Robinson, Allan Houston, Mike Miller, and the rest of the staff in place, Westchester will reach the level of a top developmental organization in the league.

Will Allonzo Trier suit up in Westchester?

While Allonzo Trier is inked to a two-way contract, he hasn’t spent time in the G League yet and has made a solid impression in the organization. His ability to create his own shot, athleticism, and scoring ability has been valuable for New York. David Fizdale has stated that he has no desire to change Trier’s game, whose nickname is “Iso Zo,” and has let the rookie guard play his game.

Trier has shown to be a rotational player for New York and could be on the 15-man roster by January. The Knicks will have a decision to make by early December when Trier’s two-way contract hits the 45-day mark.

How can Westchester continue to make an imprint on the New York Knicks?

Five current Knicks have previously suited up for Westchester, along with three others that have played in the G League. With Westchester acting as a Triple-A affiliate, New York will continue to rely on their affiliate with the growth and development of players who aren’t seeing much action with the big club. Along with that, the organization will bring in veteran players to their G League affiliate who the team believes could make it to the big club. Not only are the Knicks committed to developing their young talent, but former first-round picks have gone to the G League to turn their careers around and receive second chances in the NBA.