According to Celtics Wire’s Justin Quinn, the Boston Celtics can enable former lottery pick Kevin Knox to restore his worth in a “deep bench role” during the 2023-24 season, and the ex-Kentucky star could be out of the league if he doesn’t get such a chance.
“While Knox would most likely play a deep bench role, it could help him rebuild his value in a league he might otherwise end up out of this season,” Quinn wrote. “Given its focus on contention, Boston is likely looking for a player with a more proven track record, but if it was looking for a potential redemption project, it could certainly do worse than Knox and his career averages of 7.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and a 34.2% 3-point shot.” Knox was offered as a target to the rest of the league by Locked On Celtics Podcast host John Karalis.
“Give me Kevin Knox,” Karalis said (h/t Heavy’s Adam Taylor). “Give me Knox…Is there anything left to Kevin Knox? I mean, I felt like there might be something that he’s never had the right opportunity. I don’t know if Boston is the right place, but he’s 24, man. I thought he had something in his game that was more than this.”
Kevin Knox a potential training camp invite for the Boston Celtics
A guaranteed contract for Knox doesn’t make sense for the Boston Celtics, who would be better off handing out non-guaranteed deals and having players fight it out during training camp and the preseason to prove they deserve a role.
Besides, as Oregon Live’s Aaron Fentress pointed out, Knox would not have had an opportunity to play in Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups’ rotation this season if his team option had been taken up.
“Blazers coach Chauncey Billups praised Knox down the stretch of the season,” Fentress said, “especially Knox’s ability to create offense after being closed out on while sizing up a three-point attempt.” However, he is unlikely to become a rotational player next season.”
Knox is good in theory, but he has yet to prove himself in any of his five-year career stops. Hand him a non-guarantee, and if he continues on his current path, cut bait free of charge.
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