Despite their 110-101 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first Summer League game on Saturday, the New York Knicks found a glimmer of hope in the performance of one of their players. Amidst a number of inconsistent performances, shooting guard DaQuan Jeffries emerged as a notable standout.
Having played four NBA seasons with Sacramento, Houston, and Memphis, Jeffries did not feature in the 2022-23 season. However, at 25 years old, he seems to be an overqualified player for the G-League and the Summer League.
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DaQuan Jeffries: A Contender for a Roster Spot?
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound guard might push for a roster spot this year as a two-way player, given his defensive prowess and scoring abilities.
Jeffries‘ best season was the 2020-21 season, when he was 23, with the Houston Rockets. Despite only playing 13 games, he averaged 4.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Although not recognized for his three-point shooting, Jeffries demonstrated solid field and two-point range, aligning well with the Knicks’ preferred playing style.
A Stellar Performance Against the 76ers
In Saturday’s loss to the 76ers, Jeffries posted an impressive 20 points in just 21 minutes, shooting 7–14 from the field, including 1-3 from beyond the arc. He also sank all five of his free throw attempts, recording four total rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and only two turnovers.
Jeffries could be a reliable asset as a potential bench player if the team encounters injuries or issues. His previous NBA experience and evident dominance over less-developed players indicate he deserves an NBA roster spot, even if primarily for his defensive contributions.
The Challenges Ahead: Overcoming a Guard-Heavy Knicks Team
The main obstacle is that the Knicks already have an excess of guards on their team. If Jeffries could fill a forward role, he might get some play time or, at least, serve a versatile function. We will continue to watch his performance during the Summer League to assess his consistency and if he could earn a place on the team.