Landon Buford
Three years ago, the New York Knicks selected Kevin Knox with the ninth pick out of the University of Kentucky. However, since arriving in the ‘Big Apple,’ the third-year veteran has not been able to find consistent minutes in the Knicks rotation, which has resulted in a decrease in production.
This past season, the 2020-21 Coach of the Year, Tom Thibodeau, barely played Knox. Now rumors are swarming that he could be moved this off-season. According to NBA Analysis Network, the Mavericks could be a landing spot.
If Dallas were to take a chance on Knox, they would not have to give up too much. The Knicks and Mavs have done business in the past in a deal that featured Kristaps Porzingis and Dennis Smith Jr. Unfortunately, despite finishing 5th in the Western Conference this season, Porzingis has been in and out of the lineup. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Porzingis “has been frustrated.”
Back to Knox, I recently spoke with NBA Trainer Mark Edwards, who shared last season that he has All-Star potential. Edwards shared that he is going to help Knox get right this offseason.
“Well, here is the thing, I mean his fourth year is already secured. So, I know Kevin come out here and really get a bunch of work in and we are going to get the necessary work that he is going to need to stay in the NBA. So, we are going to do a lot of speed and agility, and explosive training. We will also do a lot of things off the ball that will help him a lot more, speeding up his shot. Increasing his handle just overall make him a better player and make him more presentable,” said Edwards.
“Make sure he passes the eye test when he is on the floor. Kevin is really graceful when he runs. Maybe they want to see more of a fast-twitch type of player. We change and fix that; he is a young player, and he would still be in college if he didn’t go into the draft. So, I think he is fine, and the fact that he is 6’8, 6’9, over seven feet wingspan. I mean, if people are giving up on him already, that’s a shame because he is one of the more talented guys in the NBA. He is one of the more talented guys that I have trained, and it is just a matter of getting your mind right, and figuring out the league.
Also, figure out how to stay in the league, survive in the league, and flourish. I think he is willing to put the work in, and he will do it, especially this summer. We are going to work, and we are going to grind. So, he will be good next year wherever he is.”
Knox averaged 4.6 points in 13.2 minutes per game in 32 games.
