Unbeaten rookie Kenny Wooten enjoys his chances with Knicks: "I've maximized my ground time"



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Last year, the Knicks discovered a jewel not engraved in Allonzo Trier. The Arizona guard was repelled by the repechage, and New York promptly raised it, knowing that he had a chance to get the team out of the summer league.

This resulted in a player averaging 10.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 22.8 minutes per game against last season's bench. A $ 6.9 million, two-year contract with a team option came back from the off-season.

This season, this unscored story could have a new chapter with the great man from Oregon Kenny Wooten.

Wooten also fell in the repechage and the Knicks were quick once again in their recovery. Known for his defensive prowess rather than his offensive skill, the Knicks figured out he'd fit right into David Fizdale's system of relying on strong, aggressive defenders.

In fact, New York told Wooten that he was considering placing it in 55th place before being traded for Ignas Brazdeikis at number 47. This seems to be another flight right now after his 30-point night against the Suns in Las Vegas.

"They told me about it," Wooten told Marc Berman of the Post. "But I'm glad they have Iggy, you've seen what he's done now, I'm proud of him, I'm not complaining." [Trading up] was a really smart choice. "

It worked for both parties at the end. The Knicks still have their man and Wooten was pretty impressive at first. This fire blocking skill has been highlighted with four to two games. His natural athleticism and 6-foot-9 frame allow him to climb over the ledge to throw thunderous boulders as he has already done.

But this is not the only aspect of the game that Wooten is trying to show the Knicks. He also wants to show them that he can be a solid bounce that can also play properly with the ball in his hands.

"I'm trying to show the coaching staff that I'm a hard working guy who can bounce the ball," said Wooten. "I'm really able to pass my players, I'm really good at defending and providing good rim protection."

Notice that Wooten did not mention the notation at all. He has averaged only 6.4 points in two seasons with the Ducks and has five points in two games.

But this is not the game of Wooten. The points will come, but the defense is his top priority.

"My goal is to defend as best I can," he said. "I do not really focus on my offensive numbers, I'm able to shoot, but if they do not want to, I have no complaints to make."

Although Trier is the type of player opposed to playing his summer league debut last season, he shares the same goal as Wooten this season: to be part of the team. Wooten thinks he made a good first impression, and receiving an invitation to the training camp is the first box he wants to tick.

He will have another chance to impress tonight against the Raptors.

"I've maximized my time but I still feel like I can bring a lot more to the table," he said. "I really think my chances are really good."

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