CHICAGO — Knicks brass believe next season will be different for Kevin Knox. He could have some marquee veterans by his side, and a new responsibility to help the Knicks win games.
The front office and coach David Fizdale are excited about Knox’s late-season uptick in areas of more efficiency, ball movement and taking contact on his hoop forays. Defense still is a major concern but that’s what this summer will be dedicated to, according to Fizdale.
Knox’s rollercoaster rookie year comes to an end Wednesday against Detroit, but with an enthusiasm the 6-9 combo forward is on the right track in living up to being the ninth pick in the 2018 draft.
“Next year we expect him to be a guy who helps us win games, putting us in a position to be a team that’s going to be competing for the playoffs and hopefully further,’’ Fizdale said at United Center following the season’s last morning shootaround.
There were plenty of struggles for the 19-year-old out of Kentucky with a lackluster shooting percentage (37.2 percent) and games in which he posted zero assists. He was often overshadowed by rookie Mitchell Robinson’s shot blocking exploits.
His inefficiency contributed to a league-worst 16-64 record the club brings into Tuesday’s game against the Bulls. But another flash of hope came versus Washington on Sunday, when he notched a career-high five assists to go along with seven rebounds and 16 points.
“I see a kid growing,’’ Fizdale said. “He had ups and downs. I’m very happy the way he’s approaching the finale of the season. Things are starting to slow down for him — shot selection, understanding where his spots are. He’s starting to see the floor better. He’s not forcing shots. He’s having games now with multiple assists. Real positive signs.’’
Involving his teammates has been a priority for Knox since his chat last month with LeBron James.
“It was probably one of my better games as far as passing,’’ said Knox, who has a 12.8 scoring average this season. “I just want to be able to show people that side of basketball.”
During All-Star weekend when Knox was in Charlotte for the Rising Stars Challenge as an injury replacement, Knicks GM Scott Perry staged a breakfast meeting with the rookie. His biggest message to Knox was to become more of an efficient player after the break. Knox’s “Real Plus-Minus Rating” ranked at the bottom of the league.
The transformation, however, slowly started to happen sometime in March. Perry noticed Knox cruising to the rim and being able to take a hit or two and still finish strong.
As for his 3-point shooting, Knox’s rate since March stands at a healthy 40 percent. His 121 3-point field goals made is second all-time for a Knicks rookie – nine behind Tim Hardaway Jr. with two games left.
“He’s starting to put it together in doing a little bit of everything, especially moving the ball,’’ Fizdale said. “The offensive part of it – shooting and scoring – not as much what I’m worried about. He’ll be able to do that fine. We’ll continue to build him in other areas.”
And defense is the highest priority. Low-energy nights on that end were the rule for Knox. Choosing Knox’s scoring flair, the Knicks passed on Phoenix rookie Mikal Bridges, who was named the NBA’s 8th best defender in a player poll conducted by The Athletic. Bridges also just won the Suns’ annual Dan Majerle Hustle Award.
“We’re going to drill the hell out of him over the summer with defensive concepts, weakside concepts on the ball concepts,’’ Fizdale said. “A lot of his offensive drills will be stacked with defensive drills, really forcing him to make multiple efforts with his workouts.’’
With his length and athleticism, Knox feels there’s no reason he can’t be a decent NBA defender, though currently he lacks those instincts.
Fizdale said the reason Knox will play Las Vegas summer league in July is so he can have defensive repetitions.
“Just focus on getting stronger in the weight room to be able take some more contact, play a little bit better defense in the post,’’ Knox said. “That’s definitely one emphasis, just getting stronger, working on my defense. I have the tools and the size to be a good defender. I’ve just got to be able to put it all together.”
After all the losing and bad shooting nights, Knox is coming out of it OK.
“We’re watching a 19-year-old finish his first lap,’’ Fizdale said. “He’s going to tell us more than we tell him. I don’t know how good he’s going to come back over a good summer of work. We’ll let him keep showing us but he’s definitely going to be a guy we put the ball in his hand and have him make plays.’’