The New York Knicks’ rookie, Rokas Jokubaitis, discusses potentially joining the main roster during the regular season.
There is intrigue around the New York Knicks Summer League team. Their first matchup is tomorrow against the Toronto Raptors – the game will be aired on ESPN 2 at 4:30 pm ET. On display will be four rookies from the Knicks 2021 NBA Draft class.
For one, the fate of Rokas Jokubaitis hangs in the balance. Rokas is the Lithuanian point guard that Oklahoma City Thunder drafted with the 34th pick, who then had his rights traded to the Knicks. Rokas says he’s modeled his game after Goran Dragic, the Dragon. But even though he claims he can control the tempo and brings a calmness when he steps on the floor, right now he’s not more than a baby dragon.
Rokas played for Zalgiris Kaunas (one of the Lithuanian professional basketball clubs). While he was there, he averaged 7 points, 2.5 assists, 1.7 rebounds, 45.4 field goal percentage, 38.8 three-point percentage (0.6 – 1.6 3PA), and a 75.6 free throw percentage during 20.9 minutes per game.
When Rokas was selected, there were initial thoughts that he wouldn’t play for the Knicks’ summer league team and that he’d be another “draft and stash” player. Well, the first prediction was wrong. Could the second prediction prove to be wrong as well?
Stefan Bondy of the Daily News asked Rokas about his chances of joining the Knicks’ main roster if he performs well in the summer league. Rokas’ response was, “Right now the plan is to go to Europe, but you never know in basketball because basketball is a sport where anything can happen.”
As of right now, the Knicks have 14 roster spots filled. Can Rokas make enough of a ruckus to grab a spot for himself on the roster? The roster right now is:
- Kemba Walker
- Evan Fournier
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Mitchell Robinson
- Derrick Rose
- Immanuel Quickley
- Alec Burks
- Obi Toppin
- Nerlens Noel
- Taj Gibson
- Kevin Knox
- Quentin Grimes
- Duece McBride
Even though Rokas knows what he brings to the table, he understands his game still needs to develop. When our very own CP The Fanchise asked what adjustments Rokas needs to make to his game, Rokas pointed out that he needs to adjust to the game’s aggressiveness, concept level, and speed. Perhaps the baby dragon needs to put some fire in his step.
Tipping the scales against Rokas is Luca Vildoza (fun fact: Rokas and Vildoza did play against each other in the Euroleague).
According to Spotrac, Vildoza’s contract doesn’t become fully guaranteed until the opening night of the 2021-22 NBA season. So the Knicks could use the summer league to determine if Rokas should be stashed in Europe or come to New York.
But if you were asking me, it’s probably more likely that Vildoza makes it on the roster starting this season. Look, there is no rush to sign Rokas to a contract because there is still time for him to develop, and he has a contract in Europe for Barcelona. That means the Knicks could use this upcoming season to evaluate Vildoza. Plus, Vildoza’s contract is not guaranteed for next season either, so if the Knicks wanted to, they could just cut Vildoza and sign Rokas.
For now, it’s summer! And the Knicks are favored to win the Summer League tournament. Starting tomorrow, it’s going to be fun to watch Rokas perform with his classmates and fellow Knickerbockers, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley.
Leave us a comment if you think Rokas Jokubaitis will be a “draft and stash” or on the main roster this season! Either in the comment section below or in the social media comments section of where this piece is posted!
