Knicks starting point guard Elfrid Payton faced Denis Schroder on Monday, the Lakers point guard who will be a free agent this summer. On Wednesday, Payton, Lonzo Ball, also the summer free agent, of Pelicans will play.
The Knicks are expected to take an interest in both point guards in August.
But when Payton play against the Lakers on Monday, who says he will not be at the club again next season? Especially with Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s continued praise for Payton, who praised him on Monday for his “tremendous” outing.
Payton finished with 27 points in 27 minutes and made 9 of 12 off the field without a 3-point lead in a 111-96 victory in the garden. He penetrated the track for his runners and drivers and was a plus-27, even though he only had two strokes.
‘[He put] a lot of pressure on the edge, ” Thibodeau said. ‘Downwards, in the paint, ball pressure and difficult plays, he gives us a corporeality, letting us switch more than we would normally do because of the size and toughness he has. He is an important part of this team. ‘
It seems like Payton never wins enough Knicks fans, but the only fan that matters is Thibodeau, who is still starting him – all season.
Despite a pelvic injury, a bumpy Schroder still had a good game, with 21 points, but it mostly came in the first half (16) before the Knicks pulled away.
With Julius Randle as the forward role, Payton has less duty to trade balaf and admits he is an adjustment. ‘
“I just roll with it,” Payton said.
But he is still attacking the edge.
“Just try to look for different seams and cracks,” Payton said. “It’s something I’ve been doing my whole career. Just trying to get into the paint, to make plays for others and make them for myself. ”
Following the deadline for shipment Austin Rivers and Ignas Brazdeikis, the Knicks had two open roster spots. They filled them with ten-day contracts for big men Norvel Pelle and 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 would be renewed if his contract pops up this week, as he could not get the chance.
‘Injuries are an unfortunate part of the business, but it’s a question Leon [Rose], Wes [Wesley] and Scott [Perry], ” Thibodeau said.
Rose has not spoken to the media for more than eight months.
One player the Knicks had over the signing last week was Anthony Tolliver, who contacted a ten-day deal with the Sixers on Monday. He’s more than a 3-4 and the Knicks were looking for a power forward center.
Still, he is a solid three-point shooter, and Thibodeau coached him in Minnesota.