“State of the Knick’s Address" (WCK)

by Zach Cone-Douglas “State of the Knick’s Address” The first month of the year has almost come and gone. As January winds down, college winter breaks are coming to a close, and most New Year's Resolutions have been broken and forgotten. In the world of sports it marks mid-season for the NBA and G league alike, with rosters and rotations starting to solidify as teams look toward possible playoff berths (or lottery picks). Also, in the month of January, it’s common practice for the President of the United States to deliver the “State of the Union” address, a speech that’s presented to congress, giving the administration's view of the country’s current outlook and possible future plans. As January is wrapping up, and in the spirit of this yearly State of the Union address; New Yorker’s can consider this your “State of the Knicks” update. Not the Knicks that play in MSG though, this union address is all about the Westchester Knicks.

For a long time, conversations about G-League teams were practically non- existent, reserved for only the most hard-core fanatics and hopeless super fans whose teams had long wallowed in mediocrity. The narrative has long since changed since the days of the “D-League” was known as the place where fading careers went to quietly disappear. The more modern “G-League” has become a haven for some highly talented players who’ve gone on to make a major impact on the NBA level. In fact, just this season former G- League players like Kendrick Nunn (16.2 PPG) and Duncan Robinson (11.8 PPG) for the Miami Heat,and Danuel House (10.1 PPG) for the Housten Rockets, are just a few examples of former G league stars who are now major contributors to contending teams. So, for a franchise like the New York Knicks who as of right now have the 3rd worst record in the NBA, and are looking at a 7th straight trip to the draft lottery, monitoring and cultivating a successful G league program will be crucial if the Knicks are to eventually return to their former glory. Now with all that being said- let's look at NY’s G-league squad, the Westchester Knicks.

Coming off a first-place finish in the Eastern Conference last season with a (29-22) record along with an early second round playoff exit, the Knicks so far this year have struggled to recapture the momentum that landed them atop the standings just a season prior. This year's Westchester Knicks team is full of new faces, only returning 3 players from last year and as a result the team has had to find footing of their own. Westchester looks to rebound from their slow start during the first half of the season, as they are currently (13-15) and sit 9½ games behind the Wisconsin Herd for 1st place in the conference. Although their current record doesn’t exactly Wow the casual observer, this year's Westchester Knicks have some exciting young talent that well may find its way into Madison Sqaure Garden in the near furture.

Among those on the Westechester Knicks with glaring NBA potential is NY Knick summer League standout and Westchester's leading scorer, Ignas Brazdeikis. It seems to be a matter of if, and not when Ignas will be called up to the big league as the 2nd round pick. Brazdeikis has continued his high energy play and consistent perimeter scoring in the G league regular season averaging 20 points and 7 rebounds per game. Mainly a Power Forward in college at Michigan, it seems the Knicks held Ignas off the main roster to further develop his perimeter offense and defense, and since Ignas is only 6’6 he would most likelybe dealing with NBA caliber wings at the forward spot. to Brazdeikis’ credit, with his incredible size, energy, and his ability to spot up and shoot, he’s shown the potential to- at the very least, be a reliable 3-and-D option at the NBA level.  If Brazdeikis continues to improve as he has been doing consistently, I think we will see him become a valuable asset for the Knicks, either as a trade piece or an eventual starter and running mate for 3rd overall pick, R.J Berret.