Knicks Morning News (2019.06.22)

  • [YahooSports] Kendrick Perkins calls Kristaps Porzingis ‘a diva to the max,’ says Knicks trade was right decision
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 8:03:20 PM)

    If you’re looking for a major Kristaps Porzingis fan, Kendrick Perkins is not that guy. In a discussion about the New York Knicks on ESPN’s “The Jump” on Friday, the former NBA player revealed his true feelings about Porzingis, who was traded from the Knicks to the Dallas Mavericks in January. The Knicks have the most cap room of any team this summer – but will they land the top free agents who’d fill it?

  • [Sports Illustrated] NBA Rumors: Warriors, Nets, Knicks, Clippers ‘Significant Considerations’ for Kevin Durant
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 10:02:50 AM)

    Catch up on the latest post-draft NBA free agency and rumors.

  • [SNY Knicks] WATCH: ‘A lot to take in’ for RJ Barrett since joining the Knicks
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 7:34:28 PM)

    RJ Barrett was officially introduced as a Knick on Friday.

  • [SNY Knicks] Latest updates from Knicks Summer League: Zak Irvin will play with Knicks’ Summer League team
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 9:11:33 PM)

    Knicks fans will get an early look at some of the team’s young talent during the Summer League schedule.

  • [SNY Knicks] Patient Knicks remain in running for top free agents — but here’s the plan if they don’t land them
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 2:21:59 PM)

    The Knicks have preached patience, but what does that mean in terms of free agency?

  • [SNY Knicks] 7 key quotes from RJ Barrett’s Knicks presser, including thoughts from Steve Mills, Scott Perry
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 1:00:51 PM)

    Thursday night’s Knicks draft picks RJ Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis were introduced to the New York media on Friday, while Steve Mills, Scott Perry, and David Fizdale also fielded questions. Here are the key quotes…

  • [SNY Knicks] Knicks add Louisville’s V.J. King, Shaw’s Amir Hinton as undrafted free agents
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 10:43:16 AM)

    After drafting Duke’s RJ Barrett third overall and Michigan’s Ignas Brazdeikis 47th overall in Thursday’s NBA draft, the Knicks continued to make moves by signing several undrafted free agents.

  • [SNY Knicks] With Knicks planning aggressive pursuit of free agent Kawhi Leonard, here’s what we know about their chances
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 11:22:10 AM)

    We know that the Knicks will still have interest in Kevin Durant, who is expected to miss next season as he rehabs from an Achilles injury. They are also going to be aggressive in their pursuit of NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

  • [NYPost] RJ Barrett watched the NBA Finals with the Knicks’ president
    (Saturday, June 22, 2019 2:29:47 AM)

    When RJ Barrett visited the Knicks for his workout June 10, the Duke product spent more time than the usual draft prospect, even getting invited to team president Steve Mills’ home to watch the NBA Finals. Until now, Barrett was a rabid Raptors fan, growing up in a Toronto suburb for part of his childhood….

  • [NYPost] Knicks’ braintrust must realize fanbase’s patience isn’t infinite
    (Saturday, June 22, 2019 1:13:31 AM)

    The occasion was to introduce the Knicks’ two selections from Thursday’s NBA draft. First-round pick RJ Barrett and second-rounder Ignas Brazdeikis held up their Knicks jerseys, took the customary photos and spoke briefly about how hard they’re going to work to make the franchise a winner. “It was a great step forward for our basketball…

  • [NYPost] The path RJ Barrett took to become the Knicks’ latest savior
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 11:57:51 PM)

    RJ Barrett’s back faces the rim. A chest presses against him. The scoreboard hints at overtime. Some fans tag along with the clock, counting the final seconds. Some chant “De-fense.” Barrett breaks left. He quickly crosses over to his right, then throws the ball between his legs back to his dominant hand. The defender is…

  • [NYPost] Knicks’ RJ Barrett welcomes Rangers’ top pick Kaapo Kakko to New York
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 5:05:45 PM)

    The kids are already playing nice. Moments after the Rangers picked Finnish power forward Kaapo Kakko with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft, he was welcomed to town by none other than RJ Barrett. “Sup, Kaapo, It’s RJ Barrett. Welcome to the family! I’m excited to start this journey together. Go…

  • [NYPost] There won’t be a wait for an RJ Barrett-Zion Williamson Summer League battle
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 2:16:26 PM)

    The RJ Barrett-versus-Zion Williams buddy battle for NBA Rookie of the Year starts as early as possible when the Knicks face the Pelicans to open the Las Vegas Summer League on July 5. Vegas knows how to put on a show. Barrett said at his introductory Garden press conference Friday that the Rookie of the…

  • [NYPost] NBA free agency landscape could lead Knicks to bigger Kawhi push
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 11:44:53 AM)

    The Knicks believe they fared excellently in Thursday’s NBA draft, but head into the next step of free agency on June 30 with more caution and recasting expectations. The landscape has changed with Kevin Durant’s Achilles tear that will put him out next season and Kyrie Irving’s recent yen for Brooklyn. It has shifted some…

  • [NYPost] NBA draft grades 2019: Breaking down all 60 picks team-by-team
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 10:07:56 AM)

    The NBA draft featured plenty of trades, a few big surprises and its usual array of entertaining suits. The Post’s Zach Braziller was there to take it all in and he presents his grades for the festive evening: Atlanta Hawks No. 4: De’Andre Hunter, SF, Virginia No. 10: Cam Reddish, SF, Duke No. 34: Bruno…

  • [NYPost] Stephen A. Smith goes full fanboy after Knicks take RJ Barrett
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 7:05:36 AM)

    Stephen A. Smith is in full fanboy mode. Smith, an outspoken Knicks fan who was previously distraught about the results of the draft lottery, raved in typically loud fashion Thursday night after the team selected former Duke star RJ Barrett with the No. 3 pick. “OK. We did it. We drafted RJ Barrett,” the bombastic…

  • [NBA] Knicks Acquire Draft Rights to Ignas Brazdeikis
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 8:50:24 AM)

    NEW YORK, NY (June 21, 2019) – The New York Knicks have acquired the draft rights to Ignas Brazdeikis, the 47th overall

  • [ESPN] Zion-Barrett meeting set to start summer league
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 4:49:19 PM)

    Former Duke teammates Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett are slated to make their NBA summer league debuts against each other.

  • [ESPN] Barrett gets ‘Welcome to New York’ moment
    (Friday, June 21, 2019 1:56:17 PM)

    In the days and weeks leading up to Thursday’s NBA draft, RJ Barrett repeatedly professed his desire to be a member of the New York Knicks. Friday afternoon, he learned exactly what that meant.