Knicks' Kevin Knox Expecting 'Huge Season' for Himself After Offseason Workouts

New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox II said Thursday he's expecting a "huge season" after he failed to make a significant impact across his first two years in the NBA.

Knox told reporters he's put in the necessary offseason work to enter the 2020-21 campaign in great shape:

The Knicks were hoping Knox would develop into a key piece of their turnaround efforts after selecting him with the ninth pick in the 2018 draft.

After averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game as a rookie, he saw his role reduced last season as part of a more crowded rotation.

Knox averaged 6.4 points while shooting just 35.9 percent from the field across 65 appearances (four starts). He played just 17.9 minutes per game and ranked last among 99 qualified small forwards in ESPN's real plus-minus.

Offensive efficiency has been a concern dating back to his single collegiate season at Kentucky, when he shot just 44.5 percent during the 2017-18 campaign.

In March, a Western Conference scout told SNY's Ian Begley it was too soon to give up on the former SEC Co-Freshman of the Year.

"Is he a bust? Come on now. He's still a baby," the scout said. "Has everything gone well for him this year? No. Does he have motor issues at times? Sure. But he has a great frame and I think his shot is fine. I think there still could be a player there."

The biggest issue is that it's difficult to serve as an effective role player while also being a volume scorer, and the Knicks' rotational depth will make it difficult for the 6'7", 215-pound Knox to earn extensive minutes unless he showcases substantial improvement in year three.

So, while he's still only 21 and has untapped potential, it's a crucial year for Knox to prove himself as New York attempts to chart a path toward contention under new team president Leon Rose.