The Knicks are expected to sign Argentinian guard Luca Vildoza to a contract before the end of the season, according to a report from HoopsHype (Twitter link).
Vildoza, who played for Baskonia in the EuroLeague this season, has reached an agreement with the Spanish club on a buyout from his contract, per HoopsHype. Chema de Lucas had said (via Twitter) that the Knicks were pushing to sign Vildoza, after Donatas Urbonas first reported earlier in the month that the 25-year-old was on New York’s radar.
Ian Begley of SNY.tv (Twitter link), who confirms that the Knicks are in talks with Vildoza, hears from sources that the club is also no longer completing its reported deal with Simisola Shittu. Shittu had been on track to sign a two-way contract with New York, but it seems that agreement has fallen apart.
It’s unclear if Vildoza would get that two-way deal instead or if he’d take Jared Harper‘s spot on the 15-man roster — Harper is currently on a 10-day contract that expires Sunday night, and it’s unclear if he’ll remain with the team for the rest of the season. A source tells Marc Berman of The New York Post that the Knicks are eyeing a couple other players in addition to Vildoza, so they could theoretically complete multiple signings.
Vildoza, 25, has been playing basketball professionally since 2012, having started his career with Quilmes in Argentina. He joined Baskonia in 2017 and has spent the last four seasons in Spain, playing a key role in the club’s backcourt. In 31 EuroLeague games in 2020/21, he averaged 10.1 points and 3.4 assists in 25.2 minutes per contest, posting a shooting line of .410/.376/.761.
As HoopsHype notes (via Twitter), Vildoza was also part of the Argentinian national team that won a silver medal at the 2019 World Cup.
He’s a decent PG, ast guy. And he’s more polished not a rookie. I can only think they want experience, to run team. Where Quickly is more a shooter. His stats are decent. Don’t really know much about him.
So will they sign Harper back to a two-way?
There’s a rumor they are looking at another player too. Seems they want to load team up for playoffs. Best way they can.
Don’t know anything about this guy. Is is comparable to Prigioni?
Prigs seems like he had similar stats, but imo a big part of his value came from his veteran presence and leadership. This guy seems to be slightly more willing to shoot it than Prigs was, though, and is presumably more athletic, being 10 years younger than Prigs was when he entered the league.
I agree the experience is the thing. He’s played well in Spain and in Olympics representing Argentina. We can use a pass first PG.
Such a crazy name to say it’s your name. “Hi, I’m Simisola.”. “How do you do, Mr. Sola… Can I call you Simi.” Guy played one year of college, averaging 12 points. No wonder HR was cursing.
Dude is shittu out of luck.
So can we say that Shittu’s deal crapped out?
The Knicks can only hope that Vildosa doesn’t play like Shittu
So much for that! No Shittu? Crap! We were hopeful..
I hope the guy gets on with another team eventually, but he’s probably G-League or overseas at best. Hope I’m wrong! :)
No Shittu?!?