The New York Knicks are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2013 and will face the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. The Knicks have a new face joining the team for the playoffs, and it seems there may even be an attempt to recreate Linsanity?
New York recently agreed to a deal with European star Luca Vildoza, who played for Baskonia of the Spanish ACB League. Vildoza will wear No. 17 with the Knicks, which is the number Jeremy Lin wore when he took New York and the entire world by storm during the peak of his powers.
Of course, while it would be awesome to see Vildoza come in and go full Linsanity in the playoffs, he likely won't get any playing time unless Tom Thibodeau is really desperate or it's garbage time. It's hard to see Thibs giving a new player like this playoff minutes after trying to build rotation continuity for much of the season. The head coach even acknowledged the guard is more of a âsummer signing,â per Marc Berman of the New York Post.
The Knicks signed Vildoza to a four-year deal, including this season, and the last three seasons aren't guaranteed. He'll get a chance to prove himself now in practice and into the offseason and training camp.
As for other potential surprise contributors for the Knicks in the playoffs, Thibs did admit he's considering playing Frank Ntilikina to help slow down Trae Young. New York and Atlanta will face off in Game 1 on Sunday night.
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