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NEW YORK KNICKS
Emerging Talent: Could this unknown Knicks Center become a key player?

Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
While the focus has been on potential big-name acquisitions to fill the void left by Isaiah Hartenstein’s departure, one promising talent within the Knicks‘ own ranks has been making waves. Dmytro Skapintsev, a 7’1″ center from Ukraine, has been quietly honing his skills in the G-League and is now showing signs of NBA-level talent.

Rising from the Shadows: Could Dmytro Skapintsev’s Emerge as a Key Player?
Over the past two years, Skapintsev has played 52 games with the Westchester Knicks, demonstrating steady improvement. This past season, he averaged 26.6 minutes over 25 games, recording 12.1 points, eight rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. His performance highlights his potential as a viable replacement for Hartenstein.

In the Knicks’ second Summer League game against the Brooklyn Nets, Skapintsev emerged as the top player. Coming off the bench, he contributed 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block in just 17 minutes, including a three-pointer. His all-around elite performance has earned him increased playing time, and he should not be overlooked as a contender for a more permanent roster spot.

Skapintsev vs. Other Center Options
While the Knicks have exercised Jericho Sims’ option and are considering reuniting with Precious Achiuwa, Skapintsev offers unique advantages. Achiuwa, despite his experience, lacks the size and physicality desired in a backup center. Skapintsev, on the other hand, excels in rebounding and scoring around the basket. His assist numbers have also improved, rising from 1.8 in the 2022–23 season to 3.2 last year, indicating his growing versatility.

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The Road Ahead for Skapintsev
The Knicks might still explore the trade market for a young, controllable player. However, if Skapintsev continues to excel in the Summer League, he will likely see significant time during the NBA preseason. This would provide him with an excellent opportunity to integrate into the Knicks’ regular season plans and demonstrate his capabilities against NBA-level competition.



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Dude needs to work his core. He looks so terribly balanced out there, no leverage... He is gigantic, but plays tiny.

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Our boy Kolek on a highlight reel.

Zenzibar wrote:

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygUlc3VtbWVyIGxlYWd1ZSB0b3AgdGVuIGhpZ2hsaWdodHMgMjAyNA%3D%3D

The Nets

WargamesX wrote:

Zenzibar wrote:

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygUlc3VtbWVyIGxlYWd1ZSB0b3AgdGVuIGhpZ2hsaWdodHMgMjAyNA%3D%3D

The Nets

Kid reminds me of John Stockton and Chris Paul in highlights.

nykballa2k4 wrote:

WargamesX wrote:

Zenzibar wrote:

Watch on YouTube

;pp=ygUlc3VtbWVyIGxlYWd1ZSB0b3AgdGVuIGhpZ2hsaWdodHMgMjAyNA%3D%3D

The Nets

Kid reminds me of John Stockton and Chris Paul in highlights.

I said this in another thread but this is the worst season I have ever seen a franchise have. Heir bad decisions led to both teams that ended up in the finals existing. Now this kid looks like he could end up being a star.

I only truly expect to see Kolek in NYC this season. The other rookies will need time in Westchester, and it will only do them good!

Zenzibar wrote:Our boy Kolek on a highlight reel.

Watch on YouTube

A simple deflection from Bronny gets included into a highlight reel.

Jstock12 wrote:

Zenzibar wrote:Our boy Kolek on a highlight reel.

Watch on YouTube

A simple deflection from Bronny gets included into a highlight reel.

It's so hard being on both sides of that fence...
On one hand, I think he is more legit that JR Smith's brother, than Giannis's brothers, and that it's not an abuse of power for LeBron to have his son AND that his son could be a role player.

OTOH, Lakers acting like the kid is well on his way after 2 SL games where he didn't overtly **** the bed... I mean you want him to be a villain?

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Fat Kat wrote:

Read on Twitter

That's unfortunate but not unexpected.

Hope to see him back next summer and maybe on the team next year.

I suppose the FO told him there wouldn't be a lot of minutes for hi this year, and maybe try again next year. Who knows? Other FO's might have tried to sign him just to trade him -- nasty stuff, if they do that.

nykballa2k4 wrote:Dude needs to work his core. He looks so terribly balanced out there, no leverage... He is gigantic, but plays tiny.

Yeah agreed. It's easier to hide his weaknesses in SL when he's going up against smaller less skilled bigs. But he's awkward and lacks agility. And yep, it's almost like he's too tall for his own good.

nykballa2k4 wrote:

Jstock12 wrote:

Zenzibar wrote:Our boy Kolek on a highlight reel.

Watch on YouTube

A simple deflection from Bronny gets included into a highlight reel.

It's so hard being on both sides of that fence...
On one hand, I think he is more legit that JR Smith's brother, than Giannis's brothers, and that it's not an abuse of power for LeBron to have his son AND that his son could be a role player.

OTOH, Lakers acting like the kid is well on his way after 2 SL games where he didn't overtly **** the bed... I mean you want him to be a villain?

I think it's close. Bronny just doesn't look like anywhere near an NBA talent. And it's not just because he's young. Nothing about anything with his game says NBA level or NBA potential. And considering his pedigree one would have to expect that he can't just be a some raw player. Just about every player on the Knicks SL roster IMO has equal to or more NBA potential than Bronny.

moocow007 wrote:

nykballa2k4 wrote:

Jstock12 wrote:
A simple deflection from Bronny gets included into a highlight reel.

It's so hard being on both sides of that fence...
On one hand, I think he is more legit that JR Smith's brother, than Giannis's brothers, and that it's not an abuse of power for LeBron to have his son AND that his son could be a role player.

OTOH, Lakers acting like the kid is well on his way after 2 SL games where he didn't overtly **** the bed... I mean you want him to be a villain?

I think it's close. Bronny just doesn't look like anywhere near an NBA talent. And it's not just because he's young. Nothing about anything with his game says NBA level or NBA potential. Just about every player on the Knicks SL roster IMO has equal to or more NBA potential than Bronny.

I think of Bronny like Batman from Justice League.
Everyone else has super powers, he is super rich. He has resources to get the most juice out of what he has. other kids in SL might be applying to footlocker in a week.