Overview
- The Knicks signed Knecht to a two-way contract after the Los Angeles Lakers waived him in October, and he was activated from the Westchester G League roster for his first NBA game with New York.
- Knecht played 16 minutes in Wednesday’s 135-105 win over the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden and finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and a block.
- His first Knicks basket was an emphatic offensive putback dunk and he also hit a step-back 3 before halftime, plays that energized the crowd and drew praise from teammates and fans.
- Coach Mike Brown called Knecht “a scorer, not just a shooter,” noted the player’s range and finishing, and flagged defense as the key area Knecht must improve to earn regular minutes.
- To make room for Knecht the Knicks waived Kevin McCullar Jr., who later signed a two-way deal with Toronto, and New York will use the two-way arrangement and G League time to evaluate Knecht’s role going forward.