The Knicks added Big East Player Of The Year out of Seton Hall University, Myles Powell as an Undrafted Free Agent. Under the Exhibit 10 contract, Powell will receive a training camp invite. Should he not make the team, Powell will be sent to the Westchester Knicks with a bonus of $50,000.
After drafting Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley with first round picks, Leon Rose and the Knicks traded out of the second round, but still were still able to sign the walking bucket.
The Trenton native and four-year combo guard at Seton Hall prep stands 6’2 and averaged 21 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in his Senior year, leading the Seton Hall Pirates to a tie at the top of the Big East standings. The Knicks have been starved for floor spacers and Powell provides just that, attempting more than nine shots from the three-point line during his Senior campaign.
Powell would have been a likely second-round pick following his Junior season but saw some regression as a Senior after an ankle injury early and a concussion midway through the season. Teams loaded up to stop him but the mantra withstood, hand Powell the ball and he’ll find a way to score. March Madness was made for players like Myles Powell. He’s a player that never shrank regardless of defensive coverage or the size of the moment. Tom Thibodeau needs dogs and Powell profiles to bring the perfect mentality.
Knicks #8 pick Obi Toppin is a close friend of Powell and welcomes his addition:
“That’s my brother for life. Myles works so hard every single day, he’s in the gym every second I’m in the gym. I love Myles to death, and we’re gonna be together every step of the way. I’m gonna push him just like he pushed me these past eight, nine months.” – Obi Toppin (via NY POst)
The road from undrafted player to the NBA is always going to be challenging, but Knicks fans are no strangers to this journey. Langston Galloway, Travis Wear and Allonzo Trier have all gone from UDFA to making contributions on the Garden floor. There’s something to be said about Powell’s growth as a player as well, earning Big East Most Improved as a Sophomore and Big East Player of the year as a Senior.
Only time will tell if Leon Rose and the Knicks have unearthed an undrafted gem. But the Trenton Native, Myles Powell will be a player to watch for as the season fast approaches.
Check out Knicks Fan TV’s caller reactions to the Powell deal:
