Oh, it’s only been one NBA Summer League game? Who gives a damn. Let’s fully invest in Nathan Knight.
This was supposed to be the Summer League spotlight for Jaden McDaniels, and, to be honest, he showed moments of brilliance in Game 1 for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Las Vegas too. But this Nathan Knight guy…who would’ve thunk it?
Knight covered just about every base imaginable in Minnesota’s Summer League opener against the San Antonio Spurs. And as a result, the 6’10” former Atlanta Hawks forward decided to push his way directly into the spotlight.
Fouls more or less don’t exist in Summer League. Each player gets 10 before they foul out. If you reach 10, it was either a direct assignment by the coaching staff to act like a psychopath, or they just have no regard for human life (shoutout to Kevin Harlan). Knight scooped up a casual seven fouls in his debut with the Wolves on Monday evening. And to really add some zest to the performance, he received a technical foul as well.
How many dudes are walking around Summer League with so much energy and passion that they’re getting slapped with a T? You don’t teach that; a player either has it or doesn’t, and, my goodness, Nathan Knight has it. Chris Finch should consider a spot in the rotation for the William & Mary alum just based on the fact that he was so jazzed up during a Summer League exhibition that he earned the tech.
This checks just one box.
Minnesota won their first game in Vegas by a final score of 91-89. Care to guess who made the game-winning bucket? That would be one Nathan Knight.
Disregard that it’s an exhibition where individuals are being evaluated on their own merits. There is less concern over how the team actually vibes because many of these guys are aiming for a roster spot or a two-way contract. Knight strolled into Summer League and chose violence.
His put-back with 15 seconds left broke a tie, and they were the final points scored in the affair. Take a bow, young fella.
That checks two boxes.
Getting praise in Summer League is crucial. Not many are Cade Cunningham– or Jalen Green-type prospects. The vast majority are late draft picks or undrafted players trying to prove their worth. Wolves Summer League head coach Jeff Newton certainly took notice of Knight following his outing.
“I think he can be both (a PF and C). And I think he can be such a dynamic guy as a 4 next to KAT. I think he would fit really well as an athletic, rugged roller. Obviously, he does have the ability to pop, make a shot, make a play.”
So far, we can check off getting a technical foul in a Summer League contest, launching right into the spotlight with a game-winner, and getting praised by the coaching staff.
Let’s keep the train rolling.
The game-winner wasn’t the only highlight for Knight. He brought it right from the jump, finishing the game with 19 points and nine rebounds on an efficient 7-12 from the field. He even dipped his toes into 3-point land. This wasn’t a performance where Knight was a blip on the radar or showed up right at the end for the last shot. This dude was the engine for the Wolves for much of the night on Monday against the Spurs.
Realistically, it will still be a struggle for the power forward. He agreed to a two-way contract with the Timberwolves and will have to continue to grind it out in Summer League.
Here’s what he has going for him, though in a major way:
The Wolves desperately need a power forward alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. The 4 spot is as vacant as can be. And while it’s a stretch to assume Knight could step in and fill that void in Game 1 next year, it’s possible he could carve out a rotation spot if Minnesota doesn’t act upon that vacancy in the remaining stages of free agency via a trade.
Secondly, Knight is super savvy defensively, and he doesn’t fear protecting the rim. He isn’t a top-notch rim protector, but the guy will lay it all out there and max out his abilities. Those kinds of players are infectious.
Minnesota was miserable on defense last season and needs to do a 180 this season. Knight brings a little bit of everything, but his defense could help him stand out for a team that desperately needs it.
McDaniels was outstanding. Jaylen Nowell was cold-blooded. But this Nathan Knight dude sure was entertaining and could have a bright future with the Wolves.
