Knicks Rumors: Cleanthony Early May Not Get Training Camp Invite

Phil Jackson’s first draft pick as team president, Cleanthony Early, may not get an invite to the New York Knicks’ 2016 training camp.

When Phil Jackson landed Cleanthony Early at No. 34 overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, many praised the decision. In a draft that was viewed as top-heavy in nature, Early gained momentum as a star for the Wichita State Shockers.

In the two years that have followed, many have come to question whether or not Early is an NBA-caliber player.

In two NBA seasons, Early has accumulated averages of 4.3 points and 2.2 rebounds on a slash line of .346/.263/.750. In seven D-League appearances in 2015-16, he averaged 15.6 points on a slash line of .446/.333/.607.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks haven’t yet decided whether or not they want Early at training camp.

Structurally, it makes more sense to sign a guard to the main roster.

The Knicks already have three small forwards signed to guaranteed contracts. Carmelo Anthony is a nine-time All-Star who’s locked into the starting role, and Lance Thomas and Mindaugas Kuzminskas both project to play big minutes in either the short or long-term.

Thus, it’s hard to find a place for Early on the roster when three players would be ahead of him on the depth chart.

Furthermore, the Knicks are in dire need of aid in the backcourt. Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings both have injury concerns at point guard, and Justin Holiday hasn’t yet proven himself as the backup shooting guard.

Thus, it stands to reason that either Ron Baker, Chasson Randle, or J.P. Tokoto have a better chance of emerging from training camp than Early.

It’d be nice to see Early get another shot, but he’d likely head directly to the D-League if the Knicks were to sign him.

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