LAS VEGAS – Nate Robinson realizes with 17 guys and a host of new guards, his spot on the Knicks roster is not guaranteed.
Perhaps that is why he showed up for summer league – to remind Isiah Thomas why he drafted him in the first round. With Mardy Collins officially declared out of summer league because of his knee surgery six weeks ago, Robinson will be playing lots.
“I have obstacles in life I’ve always had to overcome, and this is another one,” said the 5-7 Robinson. “For me it’s not a big deal.”
If there are no trades, Robinson will have to beat out two of the three new guards, Dan Dickau, Fred Jones and rookie Demitris Nichols of Syracuse. The Knicks open tonight vs. Seattle and Kevin Durant.
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The Knicks begin a voluntary veterans, big-man minicamp today, but Eddy Curry and Jerome James will be no-shows. According to a source, Curry had to attend an anniversary party of a relative. It would have been Curry’s first intro to Zach Randolph, who will be joined by Jones, David Lee and Quentin Richardson.