Although Argentinian guard Luca Vildoza will join the Knicks soon, he may not start playing until next season, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. The team signed Vildoza to a four-year, $13.6MM contract this week, but coach Tom Thibodeau didn’t have much to say about him during a session with the media before Friday’s game.
“It’s going to take some time for him to get over here,” Thibodeau said. “Our scouts really liked him. We’ll have time to evaluate him over the summer.” He later added, “There’s a whole process that he’s going to have to go through, so it’s going to be more of a summer thing.’’
Thibodeau’s statements seem to indicate that he will stick with Elfrid Payton as his starting point guard, Berman adds, even though Payton hasn’t been effective lately. He was a minus-23 in Friday’s loss to Phoenix and has posted negative ratings in seven of the past 12 games. Still, Thibodeau likes the size and agility Payton brings on defense and doesn’t want to damage his confidence heading into the playoffs.
Sources told Berman that Thibodeau’s attitude toward Vildoza is a show of support for his current players, who will each miss out on a $200K bonus because the Knicks reached the salary cap floor by signing Vildoza. It will take time for Vildoza to get immigration clearance because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s not certain when he will join the team.
There’s more from New York:
- In an interview with Gigantes del Basket, Vildoza said he has always dreamed of playing in the NBA, relays Ennio Terrasi Borghesan of Sportando. “For me it’s like living a dream,” he said. “I don’t like leaving in the middle of the season. … (But) it’s a unique opportunity that may never happen again, I didn’t want to miss it.”
- RJ Barrett‘s improved shooting in his second NBA season has contributed to the Knicks’ turnaround, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Barrett spent the offseason focusing on his shot after being disappointed with his performance as a rookie. “You just have to keep working,” Barrett said. “If you can just get the results you want that easily, everybody would be where they want to be.”
- The strong defensive mentality that Thibodeau has installed is drawing comparisons to the best teams in Knicks’ history, states Steve Popper of Newsday.
Thibodeau’s stance toward Vildoza makes sense. Knicks are making the playoffs and he owes it to the players that worked to get them there. Secondly, he probably hasn’t even seen Vildoza play. Save that for Training Camp.
I like Payton as ……. a backup PG. He’s too up and down as starter. His D and size are well suited for a backup. Luca is more a traditional PG. He is ready to contribute and Knicks will get him up to speed. Quickly is still more a scorer and learning the PG. With Rose and Luca it gives us great depth. Knicks will find a starting PG for next season. (U all know who I want). Payton can be used in a trade.
Great win today against Clippers. After getting Bounced by Suns. Nice to see them come back. Clippers imo underestimated Knicks. They better wake up if they want to win in playoffs. Knicks take A major step up next yr. Plenty cap space, players n picks to trade. And 4 picks in draft. With 3 of the top 32 (Pistons 2nd rd) picks in draft. With Noel a FA, they draft a big. Great to see Knicks hanging in that 4th seed. Heat beat Celtics today. It’s coming down to Hawks, Heat, Knicks. Home court can really help us this yr. “ Let’s Go Knicks” …… In Thibs we Trust
Preach!
Agreed – although since Rose came over Payton has been more of a symbolic starter than anything. Rose is playing more minutes than him per game, and Quickly isn’t too far behind.
I was pretty strongly against maintaining Payton as the starter earlier in the year, but at this point, with the win streak, plus the playoffs around the corner, I think staying the course is probably the best route. Too late to do much tinkering.
Payton used in a trade??? Dudes an UFA. No trade option there. Unless you want NY to resign LMAO. Every Knick fan can’t wait to see him gone.
In substance, LV’s contract is really a 3 year non-guaranteed deal starting next year, with a guaranteed signing bonus (posing as this year’s salary). I don’t think either party believes he will play much (if at all) this year.
NY is slowly developing into a legitimate dark horse candidate to join the 6 bona fide contenders for this year’s title: the Jazz, Nets, Sixers, Clippers, Nuggets, and Bucks.
Not sure it makes a lot of sense to try and integrate Luca this season. With Payton, Rose, and Quickly all in the PG rotation and the team playing the best they’ve played all season, not sure the risk-reward makes sense.
Next season though, it will be interesting to see what he can do. I’m assuming they’ll probably move off Payton, would be interested in a PG-trio of Rose, Luca, Quick.