New York Knicks’ Latest Signing Austin Rivers Pens an Emotional Message for Houston Rockets

The New York Knicks’ off-season has been underwhelming, to say the least. They had a cap space of $109.14 million, and that is significantly higher than most teams in the NBA.

Even with such a big salary cap, they still couldn’t make any star signings. But the Knicks have been busy this off-season and have already brought in center Nerlens Noel and re-signed Elfrid Payton.

Recently, reports emerged that the Knicks had signed Rockets backup point guard Austin Rivers in a three-year deal worth $10 million. Rivers seemed excited to join the Knicks and tweeted, “Beyond excited for this. Knicks! NYC! Grateful!”

The 28-year-old also thanked the Houston Rockets and tweeted, “Appreciated my time in Houston. Truly amazing experience. Loved the city and the people. Thank you for having my and family.”

Rivers came off the bench in the Rockets and averaged 8.8 points in 23.4 minutes per game last season. The No. 10 overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft will now be joining the fifth team in the NBA.

Over the years Rivers has turned himself into a capable ball-handler and a good pick-and-roll player. In the Knicks he will be a backup to the recently re-signed Elfrid Payton.

What can one expect from the New York Knicks?

The Knicks haven’t made any big money moves till now. They are currently in no place to lure a star to their team any time soon. They may have enough cap space, but it won’t be enough to bring in a star.

The New York based side could have gone for a proper rebuild and brought in some quality veterans to the side. However, they have made many underwhelming moves till now.

The Knicks have signed center Nerlens Noel, who is a decent player. Apart from that they have added small forward Alec Burks who had a great 2019-20 season and can add some attacking threat to the side.

To fill the roster they have brought in Omari Spellman, Jacob Evans, and a future second-round pick from the Timberwolves in exchange of Ed Davis.

The Knicks are not looking like a side that will come anywhere near the playoffs. There are certain additions like Burks who are good, and the team might improve on last season’s record.

The younger players in the Knicks need to step up. Until and unless one of their draft picks turns into a great player, fans won’t be seeing a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo in the New York Knicks.