Knicks Rumors: Injured Damyean Dotson Undergoes Surgery Amid RJ Barrett Buzz

New York Knicks guard Damyean Dotson underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder Wednesday, and according to Marc Berman of the New York Post, he is expected to be back in time for the start of training camp.

Dotson was a starter down the stretch this season for a Knicks team that finished with an NBA-worst 17-65 record. That mark netted the Knicks the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, and they have already been linked heavily to Duke forward RJ Barrett provided Zion Williamson and Ja Morant come off the board first and second as expected.

The 25-year-old Dotson was New York's second-round pick in the 2017 NBA draft out of Houston, and after playing somewhat sparingly as a rookie, he took a step forward during his second season.

He appeared in 73 games and made 40 starts, averaging 10.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from long range.

Damyean Dotson Highlight Reel

Berman reported that Knicks head coach David Fizdale loves the tenacity the 6'6" Dotson brings to practice. However, there's no guarantee he'll be back with the team in 2019-20.

He has a $1.4 million team option for next season, and Allonzo Trier has a $3.4 million team option as well. If the Knicks want to sign two max free agents this offseason, they may have to let one of Dotson or Trier go.

If Dotson stays, it's likely he'll come off the bench, especially if the Knicks take Barrett third overall. 

The Knicks could have a franchise-altering offseason that would see them draft Barrett, sign Kevin Durant and then sign another star such as Kyrie Irving, who has also been linked to the club.

If those things happen and the Knicks retain Dotson, he has the makings of a solid role player off the bench.