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Debate

Will Boo Buie be the Knicks' secret weapon, or just another benchwarmer in the making?

“There is nothing like college basketball,” said Boo Buie, a college basketball sensation from the Northwestern University. But, the 24-year-old can’t really run his career with college basketball. After spending five long seasons with the Wildcats, Buie finally inked a deal with the New York Knicks amid the intense preseason match-ups. The NY side that recently made a last-minute blockbuster trade roping in Karl-Anthony Towns, added yet another talent with rich baggage of college accolades.

Buie, before signing the deal with the Knicks, spent the summer with the Phoenix Suns, taking charge in the Summer League. The 6’2″ guard indeed had an impressive outing in Las Vegas, averaging 9.0 ppg and 2.0 apg, playing 21.1 minutes per game. And, this was enough to impress the Knicks front office to sign an Exhibit 10 contract after one game into the preseason.

 

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The 2x All-Big Ten guard had a decorated career at NU, helping his side make a March Madness appearance twice in a row. With a college career average of 14.7 ppg, he finished his fifth year with 19.0 ppg and 5.0 apg, announcing to the hoops world that he is ready for the big stage. Notably, the guard finished his college stint with the Lefty Driesell Defensive Player of the Year award.

Looking specifically into the Exhibit 10 contract, Boo Buie doesn’t have a guaranteed callup for the 2024-25 regular. If the Knicks continue with Buie post-October 21 and don’t cut him from the roster, then Buie can enjoy a 2-way contract, playing in the G-league with a $1.15 million salary per year. Or, if he makes the past 60 days with the G-League team, he is bound for a $50k salary. Importantly, a team can have over 15 players on the roster, heading into the regular season. So, it’s in Buie’s hands to solidify his spot on the team.

Where will Boo Buie fit in the Knicks roster?

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What’s your perspective on:

Will Boo Buie be the Knicks' secret weapon, or just another benchwarmer in the making?

Have an interesting take?

Days before Media Day, the Knicks stunned the NBA world with their bold trade move, sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns. While the team has a secured frontcourt with Towns, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, the team definitely lacks depth in the backcourt.

With Jalen Brunson heading the backcourt, the Knicks have Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, Tyler Kolek, and Landry Shamet waiting for a spot in the rotation. So, it’s up to Buie to outsmart his teammates to find himself a spot in the rotation. Moreover, in the recent predictions made by The Athletic, the leading sports media expects Brunson to bring himself up in the MVP conversation because of the value addition to the Knicks roster.

Buie with a rich college basketball experience, can be a talented playmaker in the second unit. Similar to the role that Chris Paul played in the Golden State Warriors last season. The 24-year-old could run the game for the Knicks when Brunson is off the court. Nevertheless, it will depend on Buie’s performance in the remainder of the preseason. The NY side faces the Wizards on Wednesday. So fans can have a glimpse of the rising star in the game.

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Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.

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