Despite their 110-101 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first Summer League game on Saturday, the New York Knicks found a glimmer of hope in the performance of one of their players. Amidst a number of inconsistent performances, shooting guard DaQuan Jeffries emerged as a notable standout.
Having played four NBA seasons with Sacramento, Houston, and Memphis, Jeffries did not feature in the 2022-23 season. However, at 25 years old, he seems to be an overqualified player for the G-League and the Summer League.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound guard might push for a roster spot this year as a two-way player, given his defensive prowess and scoring abilities.
Jeffries‘ best season was the 2020-21 season, when he was 23, with the Houston Rockets. Despite only playing 13 games, he averaged 4.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Although not recognized for his three-point shooting, Jeffries demonstrated solid field and two-point range, aligning well with the Knicks’ preferred playing style.
In Saturday’s loss to the 76ers, Jeffries posted an impressive 20 points in just 21 minutes, shooting 7–14 from the field, including 1-3 from beyond the arc. He also sank all five of his free throw attempts, recording four total rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and only two turnovers.
Jeffries could be a reliable asset as a potential bench player if the team encounters injuries or issues. His previous NBA experience and evident dominance over less-developed players indicate he deserves an NBA roster spot, even if primarily for his defensive contributions.
The main obstacle is that the Knicks already have an excess of guards on their team. If Jeffries could fill a forward role, he might get some play time or, at least, serve a versatile function. We will continue to watch his performance during the Summer League to assess his consistency and if he could earn a place on the team.
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