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OKC Thunder: Pros and cons of trading for Knicks forward Kevin Knox

By Mark Nilon

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 28: Kevin Knox II #20 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 28: Kevin Knox II #20 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
OKC Thunder (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Pros of the OKC Thunder trading for Kevin Knox

Like we said earlier, Kevin Knox and OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have a relationship that goes back to their collegiate days.

Together, they both managed to play their way into the lottery in the 2018 draft and helped guide the Kentucky Wildcats to an impressive 26-11 record and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite-Eight.

What’s more interesting about this OKC – Kentucky connection is the fact that the 2017-18 Wildcats also had current Thunder two-guard, Hamidou Diallo.

Now, we get it, Knox has not played well during his time spent in the NBA. Through three years in the league, he is posting underwhelming averages of 9.3 points and 3.5 rebounds on just 37 percent shooting from the floor and 34 percent shooting from deep.

However, keep in mind, he was one of the most highly-touted prospects coming out of college in 2018 — even ahead of SGA — after posting per-game averages of 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds on 45 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from deep while also displaying impressive defensive versatility with his size (6-9, 7-1/4 wingspan) and IQ.

Let’s also not skip over the fact that the man has played for arguably the most dysfunctional franchise in the Knicks. Seeing three different coaches in all three seasons of his career (two of which were just not good at their jobs, though I give Mike Miller a pass) is not something that’s easy for a young player.

Throughout the years, Oklahoma City has proven to be tremendous at player development and, in year one, head coach Mark Daigneault looks as though he’s continuing this trend — examples include Isaiah Roby, Justin Jackson, Kenrich Williams, etc.

Still just 21-years-old, Kevin Knox is simply too young to give up on. Despite the lackadaisical start to his career overall, he has shown glimpses of potentially being a solid role player, especially as a floor-spacing forward — shooting 38 percent from deep this season while converting on 40 percent of his catch-and-shoot long-range attempts.

When you hit rock bottom, the only way you can go is up.

Should New York be willing to cut ties with Knox for a package of a few second-round picks and, say, Ty Jerome, it may be a low-risk flier worth taking if you’re the OKC Thunder.

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