OCTOBER 16: The two-way contract is official, the Knicks announced (via Twitter).
OCTOBER 15: The Knicks are filling the open two-way contract slot on their roster by signing former first-round pick Luka Samanic to a two-way deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Samanic, the 19th overall pick in the 2019 draft, had been under contract with the Spurs up until this week, but San Antonio was facing a roster crunch, with 17 players on guaranteed salaries and only 15 roster spots for the regular season. The 6’10” power forward, a victim of that crunch, was waived on Monday.
Samanic appeared in 36 total games in two years as a Spur, averaging 3.8 PPG and 2.2 RPG on .430/.294/.576 shooting in 9.9 MPG. Despite his modest numbers in San Antonio, the Knicks apparently see some untapped potential in the 21-year-old Croatian.
A two-way contract will allow Samanic to play in up to 50 regular season NBA games, so he’ll likely spend some time with the Westchester Knicks in the G League. Jericho Sims is New York’s other two-way player.
Guys gonna be a beast! Given the opportunity
No he wont
Yes, he will, that is for sure!
If the Spurs couldn’t develop him, you think the Knicks will? He won’t even get playing time because he can’t play defense and won’t crack Thibs starter-heavy 9 man rotation.
Nix have more shotblockers to have his back, so he should be evaluated differently. (Not that I am familiar with him.)
I thought Simms was on course for the NYK’s second 2w slot. He’s gotten PT in the preseason and has looked pretty good. But, based on roster balance, I’m not sure giving him the last slot on the 15-man makes sense. That will likely go to a wing.
Sneaky good move. I liked Samanic coming to the league. Nice potential with the motor is right. He will face a crowded rotation at the 4
We need a stretch 4. Crazy how Thibs is now going after shooters. Thibs will make him a better defensive player. G-league will do him well. Great they kept Simms. Like him a lot. Both can use PT in G-league. Knicks are finally using their extra spots well. Both these guys can fill a need. With development. Both got a future imo.