“It's official,” said Atkins in the photo’s caption. “Thank you @nyknicks for this opportunity! I'm ready to come up there and guard Melo lol. But seriously though, I didn't think I'd be here at the beginning of the year. All glory goes to God.”

The road won’t be easy for Atkins, but his defensive prowess gives him a shot. The door is now open for the National Defensive Player of the Year. If he fails to the make the roster, the 6-foot-7 forward will likely be added to NBA D-League affiliate Westchester Knicks’ roster.