Rokas Jokubaitis has been a Summer League standout, but the Knicks don’t seem to have a roster spot for another guard, writes Steve Popper of Newsday. Jokubaitis turned in an impressive performance on Wednesday, making all seven of his shots from the field while finishing with 16 points, five assists, two steals and a block in a narrow win over Sacramento.
A second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Jokubaitis is under contract with Barcelona, but Popper notes that it might be tough for him to get playing time there in a backcourt that features Ricky Rubio and Juan Nunez. He may have the option to join Zalgiris in his native Lithuania, according to Popper, or the Knicks could send his draft rights to another NBA team as part of a trade.
There’s more on the New York City teams:
- Julius Randle‘s recovery from shoulder surgery is going “incredibly well” and he’s looking forward to being part of the Knicks‘ revamped roster following the trade for Mikal Bridges, Ian Begley of SNY states in a mailbag column. On August 3, Randle will become eligible for an extension of up to four years and $181.5MM, but Begley hears that negotiations on a new deal “aren’t at the forefront” for either Randle or the team.
- Jalen Wilson looks like a veteran in his second Summer League experience, per Brian Lewis of The New York Post. The 2023 second-round pick has been a team leader for the Nets, scoring 27 points and finishing plus-19 in Tuesday’s comeback victory over the Knicks. “It’s fresh as a rookie; you don’t know really what to expect. But now this is my second year coming back,” Wilson said. “It’s just fun. You get to see things, get to experience having a chance to win it. That’s the thing that drives a guy, especially when it’s our second time doing it.”
- Dennis Smith Jr. has been cheering for the Nets in Las Vegas, but sources tell Collin Helwig of NetsDaily that the free agent guard is considered “very unlikely” to be back in Brooklyn. Lonnie Walker is also expected to move onto another team, Hellwig adds.
- Juwan Howard talks to Adam Zagoria of NJ.com about why he decided to join the Nets‘ coaching staff.
Kolek is having a better SL. So it’s probably back to Europe for another yr.
Dmytro and Hukporti two young Knicks bigs. Both had good gms. And both are playing well in SL. Really would like to see them step up. Both will probably start in G-league. Hoping Hukporti will make the transition to NBA big man. He’s got big man fundamentals. Thibs should be able to work with him.
Seriously can’t believe Kolek didn’t go sooner. Even in first rd. He’s a true PG. That is ready to help now. He’s a steal imo.
I had my eye on Kolek for the Knicks and hoped they would choose him with their first round pick, cuz I thought for sure he’d be gone by the time their second round pick came up. Steal indeed. The kid has game.
I agree Kolek was a great pick up but Thibs don’t play rookies that much like how long it took Duece to get regular playing time. I’m still waiting for Precious. IMO I also thought Burks should have been brought back instead of getting Payne. I really wanted Tyus Jones but he’s still searching for a bigger contract.
To all NYK fans who makes the 15-man roster? How many spots are left after hoping Precious returns?
I want Precious back too. He can backup Randle and play some small ball 5.
I think Knicks are waiting it out. To see what Center they can get.
I was hoping my Sixers would get Kolek in the 2nd round. Honestly in this draft I even considered him well worth the 16th pick.
While I do really like McCain & his upside , Kolek would of been our ideal missing pass 1st playmaker.
I also REALLY like Dmytro , hes 7ft , mobile , has a bit of a handle , can shoot , rebound , blk shots. I honestly think if he got the 25 mpg Hartenstein got he’d probably produce identical if no superior numbers. Hukporti looks solid fundamentally but nothing really jumped out at me.
Rokas Jokubaitis , I really like the craftiness I see from him as well. It would be amazing if they could find a place for him , but its a long shot.
Hopefully the Knicks can package Randle , Mcbride , together for Capela or Lopez , Open up a roster spot for Dymtro or Rokas Jokubaitis. They both have tremendous potential to be good bench contributers.
Randle is not going anywhere. Thibs loves him. One of hardest workers. Learned from Kobe. The two headed C worked well for Knicks. Mitch and someone can work still.
Yeah I act believe Kolek fell to us. He’s more ready than McCain. And is a true PG 22 yrs old. I’m kind of torn. Cause I wanted McBride. And he’s come a long way.
Too much talent is a good problem to have ….
I can’t imagine the Knicks trade either Randle or McBride. Randle is self-explanatory but McBride not only has improved in a big way, but his contract is fantastic for the Knicks. Wouldn’t make any sense to move him.
Pop would you make the call already and get Rokas in please. Thx.
Not a bad idea lol.
NYK shouldn’t trade Roku at this point. A hard capped team without a FRP next year couldn’t have a better asset than a young guy playing overseas that you don’t have to pay or have a year come off his rookie deal. I’m sure they wish that the FRP would have stayed overseas as well. When you’re dealt a good hand, think about laying it down, vs drawing.
If I was a coach or talent evaluator I’d already be on the phones , he could be had for cheap. I think he’s similar to V. Micic in Charlotte last season. He’s got the IQ & experience to be a contributing bench or spot starting guard.
Dymtro given Hartensteins minutes from last year could probably produce a similar line , I not much more superior production.
Dymtro is clearly a much better shooter , and more mobile than Hartenstein…I hope they figure out a way to get him minutes next year.
New York needs to trade Bates-Diop, Jeffries and the draft rights to Rokas for a back up PF and C.
Don’t understand the Dadiet pick because he is the only young player on the team. Kolek is five years older. I would them look to add all three young guys on two way contracts a SG, PF and.. to develop with Dadiet on the 3rd string