On Monday, Knicks starting point Elfrid Payton faced Denis Schroder, the Lakers striker who will be a free agent this summer. On Wednesday, Payton will face Lonic Ball, also a Pelicans representative, this summer.
The Knicks are expected to have an interest in the two guardians in August.
But when Payton plays like he did Monday against the Lakers, who’s to say he won’t be back with the club next season? Especially with the constant praise of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau for Payton, praising him on Monday for his “fantastic” departure.
Payton finished with 20 points in 27 minutes, getting the 9 of 12 from the field without 3 points in a 111-96 victory in the field. He meandered into the lane for his runners and floats and was a plus-27, even though he only had two assists.
“[He put] a lot of pressure on the edge, ”Thibodeau said. It’s an important part of this team. “
Payton never seems to win enough Knicks fans, but the only fan that matters is Thibodeau, who keeps starting him all season.
Despite a pelvic injury, a troubled Schroder still had a good game, scoring 21 points, but it came mainly in the first half (16) before the Knicks retired.
With Julius Randle at the helm, Payton has fewer ball handling features and admits it’s “a fit.”
“I’m rolling with him,” Payton said.
But he is still attacking the edge.
“Just trying to look for different seams and cracks,” Payton said. “I’ve been doing this my whole career. Just trying to get into painting, trying to do plays for others and doing them for myself. ”
After the trade deadline when they were shipped Austin Rivers i Ignas Brazdeikis, the Knicks had two open spots on the roster. They filled them with ten-day contracts for older men Norvel Leather i John Henson.
Pelle officially signed his second ten-day contract on Monday. Henson hurt his calf on his second day and it’s hard to imagine he’ll be renewed when the contract hits him this week as he can’t adapt.
“Injuries are an unfortunate part of the business, but that will be an issue Lion [Rose], Wes [Wesley] i Scott [Perry]“Thibodeau said.
Rose has not spoken to the media for more than eight months.
One of the players the Knicks had internal conversations about signing last week was Anthony Tolliver, who signed a ten-day deal with the Sixers on Monday. It’s more than a 3-4 and the Knicks were looking for a vanguard center.
Still, he’s a solid three-point shooter and Thibodeau coached him in Minnesota.