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After spending his rookie season with the New York Knicks, Isaiah Hicks returned to the team on a second two-way contract. Throughout the 2018-19 campaign, Ridiculous Upside will follow the big man’s journey through his second season.
Previous Entries: Entry One, Entry Two, and Entry Three
Entry Four
Heading into the final month, Isaiah Hicks was looking to close out his sophomore season as a New York Knick on a high note. He missed five games due to a groin injury, but played in a couple games for the Westchester Knicks before the season concluded.
Hicks detailed his mindset going through his injury and what it felt like to be back on the court under the lights of the G League postseason.
“Just getting treatment and getting better. Don’t got to rush it. Just wait until I’m better and just be ready,” Hicks told Ridiculous Upside. “It felt good. Just being out here and just being on the floor. It always feels good in playing then just sitting and watching. Just being apart of it is good.”
Hicks suited up in both of Westchester’s playoff games. He had two impactful blocks against the Windy City Bulls then recorded a double-double (16 points and 10 rebounds) on a near perfect 8-of-9 from the field. The Knicks picked up an impressive 95-82 win over the Bulls in the first game, which was the team’s first postseason victory in franchise history. Hicks stated it meant a lot to get the first playoff win.
“It meant a lot,” Hicks said. “I feel like last year, we came in and we were the No. 1 seed. But you can’t expect things. You have to come out there and win it”
After Westchester’s season came to an end, Hicks joined New York as part of his two-way contract. He played in the final two games of the 2018-19 season and tallied 11 points and five rebounds in the season finale against the Detroit Pistons. His two blocks was a career high and one steal tied a career high.
Hicks grew his game tremendously during his tenure in the Big Apple. He made strides on the offensive end where he got out more and shot mid-range jumpers. He improved on his perimeter game and shot 43.3 percent (13/30) in a seven-game stretch. Hicks summed up his time in Westchester by stating it was a great learning experience.
“I would say it was a great learning experience, especially dealing with all the injuries I had and stuff at home,” Hicks said. “I feel like it’s a great experience of like just being ready and anything can happen.”
Hicks spent his first two seasons in New York’s organization under a two-way deal. The 6’9” forward developed his game in Westchester and had the opportunity to showcase his skills and improvements under the lights of the NBA with the Knicks. He detailed what it meant to have the organization invested in his development and how the two-way contract will prepare him for his basketball career.
“They did an amazing job with me,” Hicks said. “Luke (Kornet) of course and now Kadeem (Allen). I feel like everybody that has been a part of this, you’ve seen the big step that they’ve taken, so I feel like just being here and just being able to play for the Westchester Knicks has really been a great part of my development.”
“It’s preparing me very well,” Hicks continued. “Just being able to practice with an NBA team and get out there and play the games and then coming back and just actually applying the things I learned that’s a very important part of getting better and developing yourself.”