The post-Carmelo Anthony era of the New York Knicks was off to a promising start during the 2017-18 season. With the Latvian sensation Kristaps Porzingis putting up MVP numbers, the playoff-starved franchise was making a strong push for the eight seed and could have finished the year with a comparatively better record than their previous seasons. But an unlikely injury to their 7-foot-3 cornerstone, put a nix (no pun intended) on those plans — winning only six of their remaining 27 games.
The lone bright spot for the Knicks as Porzingis remained sideline was Michael Beasley — who was already having an exceptional year as Porzingis' right-hand man — slotting in at the vacated starting power forward spot. The former number two overall pick by the Miami Heat went on to make the most of it, putting up 15.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in March. What's more notable were his shooting percentages, as he shot the ball at 54 percent from the field and an even more staggering mark from beyond the arc at 41.7 percent.
With Porzingis out possibly until Christmas, the four spot is still up in the air — and with the Knicks not appearing to be interested in retaining free agent Kyle O'Quinn, the door is still open for a return for the “Walking Bucket.” But when asked whether the team plans on making the 29-year-old forward an offer, his former Miami Heat assistant (and now new Knicks head coach), David Fizdale, was non-committal.
David Fizdale said the Knicks are "still looking to do a few things. I know we still got a little room to do some things" in free agency.
When asked if there's a chance of re-signing Michael Beasley, he says to ask GM Scott Perry because "right now I’m kinda out of the loop.”— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) July 4, 2018
The Maryland product signed a one year, $2 million deal with the Knicks last year and has played well enough to earn a pay raise. Should they wish to keep him, the team could opt to use their mid-level exception.
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