The New York Knicks are currently in the process of filling out their roster with back-end guys and role players. One player that nobody has taken into account until now is Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the Knicks' second round pick in 2014. Antetokounmpo has played for the Knicks D-League team the past two years and now he and his agent are reportedly giving the Knicks an ultimatum, according to Ian Begley of ESPN.com.
Last summer Antetokounmpo turned down a two-year deal to play overseas so that he can continue to develop his game with the Knicks and their coaches, and now his agent believes it is time he is rewarded for his work.
"Doing the same thing like last year, I don't think is an option for Thanasis at the moment, he played in the D-League two full seasons, he has gained a lot and it's the moment for him to take the next step and sign a contract with an NBA team," said Tim Lotsos, Antetokounmpo's agent.
Antetokounmpo is the older brother of Giannis, the rising star with the Milwaukee Bucks, and while he isn't as tall as the "Greek Freak" he is equally athletic but rawer. Thanasis stands at 6-foot-7 and has been one of the best defenders in the D-League the past few years, but his offensive game needs some work. He has shot 46 percent from the field and averaged about 13 points over the past two years which is good, but his assist-to-turnover ratio is negative and he shoots only 28 percent from three and 64 percent from the free throw line.
Antetokounmpo is only 22 (turns 23 on July 17) and does have raw ability so his agent might have a point that it's time for him to make a roster. The Knicks are not expected to be a particularly good team this year and they have four roster spots open. If Antetokounmpo were to make the Knicks final 15 man roster they would still be allowed to send him to the D-League to play, he would just be under contract with Knicks.
It appears the Knicks have a decision to make here. Do they want to go with the guy who they have been trying to develop in one of those final four roster spots, or do they want to go with guys like Alexey Shved who is a decent NBA player but doesn't offer much future promise and risk losing the young Antetokounmpo forever?
