LAS VEGAS — Last summer was about fitting in and getting accustomed to his new life as a professional.
This summer is different.
This summer, Trevor Keels has a lot riding on the Knicks’ five games in Sin City.
A restricted free agent, and the lone Knicks’ draft pick over the last two years, he has to prove himself.
“It’s super important,” the former one-and-done Duke standout and second-round pick said. “I want to show my skills, show what I got, show how I can help the Knicks, show I’m a great fit for the Knicks. Just take it day by day and keep going.”
The Knicks have given the 19-year-old Keels, who spent his rookie year on a two-way contract, a qualifying offer, which makes his future uncertain and his time in Las Vegas particularly significant.
The 6-foot-4 guard appeared in just three games with the Knicks last year while averaging 14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 24 games for the Westchester Knicks, the team’s G-League affiliate.
In the G-League, Keels played on the ball some, which he has also been doing with the summer league Knicks.
“Just show who I am, show that I’m a dog,” he said, referring to his mindset here. “Show that I can play both ends, that I can defend and also that I can run a team. Let out who I am, that I’m a competitor, that I’m all about winning.”
Keels got to experience the Knicks’ best season in a decade last year.
He had an up-close look at the excitement of their first playoff series victory since 2013, and was able to practice with the team.
Jalen Brunson, who has emerged as one of the league’s top lead guards, was particularly helpful.
“Just him teaching me little things, how to use my body, how to use my athleticism, it’s great learning for me,” Keels said.
Keels believes he is making progress, even if the numbers may not illustrate it.
In two losses, he is averaging five points, two assists and has made 4 of 13 shots from the field.
The Knicks have been outscored by 52 points in his 33 minutes on the floor.
“Just like anybody else, he’s got to stay aggressive on both ends of the floor, focus on the daily improvement and he’s got to get better at it,” Knicks summer league coach Dice Yoshimoto said. “Not just aggressive taking the shots. The game tells you what to do. When you come off [a screen] with somebody open, I want him to hit the open man. I want him to continue to come off [screens] aggressively, make the right rim reads and everything will open up for him.”
Keels didn’t seem overly concerned about his future, praising the Knicks’ communication with him and message in terms of what areas he needs to improve.
In his mind, his journey is still only getting started. Making it in the league is difficult, and he isn’t going to let bumps along the way deter him.
“It’s always going to surprise you a little bit when you come into the NBA. You’re playing against the best of the best,” Keels said. “It’s something you’ve always wanted your whole life and you’re finally in this moment. So just keep going and going. Just patience, knowing you’re right there and you progress every year. That’s where I’m at, just patience and knowing my time will come.”