On Monday, Knicks starting guard Elfrid Payton faced Denis Schroder, the Lakers goalkeeper, who will be a free agent this summer. On Wednesday, Payton will face Pelicans Lonzo Ball, also a free agent this summer.
The Knicks are expected to be of interest to both goalkeepers in August.
But when Payton plays the way he did on Monday against the Lakers, who’s to say he won’t return to the club next season? Especially with the constant praise of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau for Payton, praising him on Monday for his “great” exit.
Payton finished with 20 points in 27 minutes, making 9 of 12 off the field without a 3-pointer in a 111-96 victory at Garden. He snaked on the band for runners and floats and was a plus-27, even though he had only two assists.
“[He put] a lot of pressure on the rim, “said Thibodeau. He is an important part of this team. “
Payton never seems to win enough Knicks fans, but the only fan that matters is Thibodeau, who keeps starting him – all season.
Despite a pelvic injury, a defeated Schroder still had a good game, scoring 21 points, but that came especially in the first half (16) before the Knicks retired.
With Julius Randle as the striker, Payton has fewer handling tasks and admits he is “an adjustment”.
“I’m just talking to him,” Payton said.
But he’s still attacking the rim.
“Just trying to look for different seams and cracks,” Payton said. “That’s what I’ve been doing all my career. Just trying to get into the paint, trying to make pieces for others and make them for myself. ”
Following the shipping deadline Austin Rivers and Ignas BrazdeikisThe Knicks had two open spots on the roster. They supplemented them with 10-day contracts for older men Norvel Leather and John Henson.
Pelle officially signed his second 10-day contract on Monday. Henson injured his calf the next day and it is hard to imagine that he will be renewed when his contract expires this week, since he could not adapt.
“Injuries are an unfortunate part of the business, but that will be a question for you LEONE [Rose], Wes [Wesley] and Scott [Perry]“Thibodeau said.
Rose has not spoken to the media for more than eight months.
One of the Knicks players had internal discussions about signing last week was Anthony Tolliver, who signed a 10-day contract with Sixers on Monday. He has more than 3-4, and the Knicks were looking for a center of attack before.
However, he is a solid 3-point shooter, and Thibodeau coached him in Minnesota.