Westchester Knicks Top Moments Of 2019-20 Season

The Westchester Knicks’ sixth season is in the books. The call-up trend continued with Kenny Wooten becoming the team’s lone NBA call-up of the season, while several players put their names in the franchise’s record book. The New York Knicks continued to utilize their affiliate by assigning Ignas Brazdeikis to the G League where he saw his game grow with his increased time on the court.

What were the top five moments of the 2019-20 season?

5. Undefeated At Winter Showcase

In the previous five seasons, Westchester either split or lost both games at the Winter Showcase. That was different this season. After falling to the Canton Charge in the final game before the Showcase, the Knicks picked up a 29-point win over the Greensboro Swarm and 11-point victory over the Oklahoma City Blue. Lamar Peters recorded 23 points and six assists on 77.7 percent shooting from deep against Greensboro. Peters was named to the All NBA G League Winter Showcase Team.

4. Players Put Name In Franchise’s Record Book

There were many records broken last season and many players etched their name in Westchester’s record book. That continued in the 2019-20 season. It started early in the season and happened often throughout the season.

Here’s a list of records that were added to the franchise’s record book:

Nov. 13: Andrew White III records 39 points (tied with Billy Garrett for fifth most points in a game)
Nov. 20: Kenny Wooten tied franchise record for blocks in a game (eight) with Jordan Bachynski
Jan. 4: Lamar Peters drains most three-pointers (10) in a game
Feb. 26: Lamar Peters dishes most assists (19) in a game
Feb. 20: Ivan Rabb records franchise record 18th double-double
Mar. 5: Zak Irvin becomes franchise’s all-time rebounder (554)
Mar. 6: Ivan Rabb grabs franchise record rebounds (24) in a game; only player with multiple 20-plus rebound games in a season
Mar. 9: Kadeem Allen becomes all-time franchise assist leader (388)
Lamar Peters’ 116 perimeter shots made is the most in a season, while Tyler Hall’s 91 three-pointers made is third
Lamar Peters has eight games of 10-plus assists (tied with Kadeem Allen)
Kenny Wooten rejected five or more blocks in a game 11 times

3. SportsCenter’s Top 10

In the previous five seasons, no Westchester players were featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10. That occurred twice during the 2019-20 season and both appearances were made by Kenny Wooten. In December, the rookie forward swatted Sheldon Mac’s shot in the final moments of the first quarter. Three weeks later, Wooten found himself on SC’s Top 10 again when blocked Xavier Munford’s layup attempt against the backboard.

2. Call-Up Trend Continues

In the previous five seasons, at least one player earned an NBA call-up. That trend continued in the 2019-20 season. On January 14, Kenny Wooten became the 11th Westchester Knick to earn a promotion to the Association.

Wooten made a strong impression coming out of Oregon with his shot blocking prowess and elite athleticism. He was one of the top shot blockers in the G League and broke many blocking records in 27 games. While the 6’8” forward was efficient from within five feet of the basket (72.5), he showed a smooth jumper where he shot 48 percent from 10-24 feet. He was a valuable contributor in Westchester’s defense and showed to be a good screener.

1. Development Continued

Damyean Dotson, Cleanthony Early, and several others have been assigned to Westchester for more playing time in the previous years. Like Dotson and Early, who were both second round picks, 2019 second round Ignas Brazdeikis saw quality playing time in the G League.

In 24 games with the Westchester Knicks, Brazdeikis displayed his aggressiveness on the glass, ability to get to the basket, and had many games where he was getting the team involved. The rookie forward shot 37.5 percent from three to start the season and was efficient from the right corner (9-of-13) and the left wing (18-of-45).

Like Dotson, Brazdeikis saw more action in the G League than the NBA in his rookie season. That was be advantageous to him, as he felt he improved different aspects of his game in Westchester. He will look to build off his rookie season, as he looks to carve out a role with the New York Knicks next season.