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Knicks Blog: Knicks Ready To Call up Thanasis
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nyk4ever
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2/16/2015  10:47 AM
http://theknicksblog.com/knicks/source-knicks-are-ready-to-call-up-thanasis-antetokounmpo/

Keith Schlosser, Lead Writer

The Knicks have reportedly reached a buyout agreement with Amar’e Stoudemire, but his spot on the team won’t likely remain open for long. With some flexibility to be had on the roster, New York already has a plan in place for what’s next, TheKnicksBlog.com has learned. The team is “ready” to call up Thanasis Antetokounmpo, a source tells TKB and SNY.tv.


Originally drafted 51st overall by the Knicks in the 2014 NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo was first-time executive Phil Jackson’s second draft selection behind Cleanthony Early. Since playing for the team in Las Vegas last summer, the 22 year old has averaged 13.7 points, 6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks in thirty games with the NBA D-League affiliated Westchester Knicks.

The source tells TKB and SNY.tv that the team has been preparing to call Antetokounmpo up in anticipation of a spot (or two) opening up, leading up to the trade deadline, for quite some time now. STAT’s buyout seemingly allows them such an opportunity moving forward.

The high-flying forward is an absolute athletic freak. He’s able to pester opponents on the defensive end with his long arms, and can assert himself on offense by confidently attacking the basket. His shot-selection and subsequent conversion could still use some work, though. He did, however, score a season-high 30 points earlier this month.

On Sunday afternoon, Antetokounmpo lost in the final round of the 2015 D-League Slam Dunk Contest. He did, however, earn a perfect score for the dunk below.

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TPercy
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2/16/2015  10:53 AM
Not thrilled. Needs to stay in the D League and continue to develop.
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CrushAlot
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2/16/2015  11:24 AM
TPercy wrote:Not thrilled. Needs to stay in the D League and continue to develop.
I agree. Also, having that open roster spot with trade exceptions gives the Knicks flexibility to either pick up a guy that is dropped after a trade (i.e. Cory Brewer) or help facilitate a trade by taking a player in a multi team deal and fitting his salary into one of their trade exceptions. Hopefully in the later scenario they would get a second rounder for their help.
Also, Tim Frazier was just waived by the sixers. I only read about his play there but he had 11 assists in his first game. Sanders is another guy that is going to be available soon. Hopefully the Knicks free up another roster spot.
Have to wonder if Thanasis was promised a call up when he agreed to go to Westchester.
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nixluva
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2/16/2015  11:30 AM
The things Thanasis needs to improve on won't come during the season. His playing in the DL or NBA won't change his ability to shoot or other technical flaws in his game, but it will help him to gain some experience at another level of the game which has some merit. Adjusting to the speed and intensity of the NBA can take a little while so it could be of benefit for him to get acclimated to the next level.
H1AND1
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2/16/2015  11:33 AM
TPercy wrote:Not thrilled. Needs to stay in the D League and continue to develop.

Why can't he develop in the NBA if he is given minutes? I can understand this POV if the NBA roster has no openings or opportunities but if they are calling him up to play him it's better than D-league experience cause it's against much better talent.
CrushAlot
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2/16/2015  12:45 PM
Ian Begley ‏@IanBegley · 11m11 minutes ago
Thanasis Antetokounmpo is viewed by some in #Knicks org as the most NBA-ready prospect in Westchester. It's unclear if they plan to sign him

I'm tired,I'm tired, I'm so tired right now......Kristaps Porzingis 1/3/18
Nalod
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2/16/2015  12:56 PM
Where is the Earl of Barron when you need him????
FistOfOakley
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2/16/2015  1:07 PM
He is already pretty old for a prospects standard... Wherever he is tho he should be playing..
CrushAlot
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2/16/2015  1:14 PM
FistOfOakley wrote:He is already pretty old for a prospects standard... Wherever he is tho he should be playing..
He is only 22. Wear is 24 and is older than Acy.
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NYKBocker
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2/16/2015  1:21 PM
This is a tank season. I think he is better off being called up now.
MaTT4281
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2/16/2015  2:00 PM
I think many of us assumed when Thanasis agreed to play unsigned for the D-League team vs. getting paid overseas, that there was some sort of deal in place where he would be brought up this season. Bring him on up, let's see what he's got.
H1AND1
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2/16/2015  2:10 PM    LAST EDITED: 2/16/2015  2:11 PM
I think at worst Thanasis is a Tony Allen type defensive stopper who gets ignored by opposing defenses and thus is limited to bench minutes and at best he's a sort've poor mans Kawhi Leonard. Ill take either of those from a 2nd rounder.

What gives me hope is his bro. These guys obviously have the genetics to be very good basketball players. Giannis is tearing ish up right now and is what? 20 freaking years old?!
nyk4ever
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2/16/2015  3:48 PM
definitely wasn't ideal having thanasis waste away on our bench all year, so being in the dleague was very beneficial for him. with the season being over, he should see plenty of time at the big show and hopefully speeds up his development.. gotta know what we have in this kid.
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CrushAlot
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2/16/2015  3:51 PM
Shams Charania ‏@ShamsCharania · 11m11 minutes ago
NYK, Thanasis Antetokounmpo discussed future recently, vision still consistent w/ plan to sign him for '15-16, league sources tell RealGM.

I'm tired,I'm tired, I'm so tired right now......Kristaps Porzingis 1/3/18
nyk4ever
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2/16/2015  3:56 PM
CrushAlot wrote:
Shams Charania ‏@ShamsCharania · 11m11 minutes ago
NYK, Thanasis Antetokounmpo discussed future recently, vision still consistent w/ plan to sign him for '15-16, league sources tell RealGM.

meaning he wouldn't be up this year?

"OMG - did we just go on a two-trade-wining-streak?" -SupremeCommander
FistOfOakley
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2/16/2015  4:08 PM
CrushAlot wrote:He is only 22. Wear is 24 and is older than Acy.

yea 22 isn't old by any measure but he doesn't have that much time to prove that he belongs in the league... so he has to show at least something at the pro level...

it's a good but no brainer move...
CrushAlot
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2/16/2015  4:45 PM
nyk4ever wrote:
CrushAlot wrote:
Shams Charania ‏@ShamsCharania · 11m11 minutes ago
NYK, Thanasis Antetokounmpo discussed future recently, vision still consistent w/ plan to sign him for '15-16, league sources tell RealGM.

meaning he wouldn't be up this year?

Yep. But I do think Schlosser has sources so he may be brought up. I think the Knicks probably keep the spot open at least until after the deadline.
I'm tired,I'm tired, I'm so tired right now......Kristaps Porzingis 1/3/18
WaltLongmire
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2/16/2015  5:27 PM
CrushAlot wrote:
nyk4ever wrote:
CrushAlot wrote:
Shams Charania ‏@ShamsCharania · 11m11 minutes ago
NYK, Thanasis Antetokounmpo discussed future recently, vision still consistent w/ plan to sign him for '15-16, league sources tell RealGM.

meaning he wouldn't be up this year?

Yep. But I do think Schlosser has sources so he may be brought up. I think the Knicks probably keep the spot open at least until after the deadline.

Would keep him in DL for the year. What if he comes up and presses too hard or is simply not ready. Do you sit him on the bench and give him little or no playing time, or send him back to the DL and mess with his confidence.

Would not be unhappy, though, if they did bring him up. I would just hope they give him consistent minutes (15-25MPG, if possible)no matter what he does on the court.

At this point, I want to see Early get more minutes, however, and would not want to see him suffer in terms of MPG because Thanasis is on the team.

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VCoug
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2/16/2015  5:52 PM
Doesn't make sense to bring him up now and start his clock early. We only have 29 games left anyway. Might as well wait until next season so we have control over him for longer.
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BigDaddyG
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2/16/2015  6:14 PM
VCoug wrote:Doesn't make sense to bring him up now and start his clock early. We only have 29 games left anyway. Might as well wait until next season so we have control over him for longer.

Yeah, I don't buy this story. It makes no sense to bring him up now and risk losing control of his rights in free agency. Plus, Thanasis ain't playing now if Early can't even get time.
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