The New York Knicks have tended to collect assets over the last two decades. Unlike some other NBA teams, the Knicks haven’t hit the proverbial jackpot with many of these transactions.
However, that could change. The Knicks are reportedly bringing over 2021 draft-and-stash prospect Rokutis Jokubaitis to play with the team’s summer league squad in Las Vegas, according to Alessandro Luigi Maggi of Sportando.
Rokas Jokubaitis is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season. The player will play in the Summer League to pursue the NBA dream. Should he stay in Europe, Zalgiris Kaunas is favourite to sign the Lithuanian point guard pic.twitter.com/UiDQcJZCwi
— Alessandro Luigi Maggi (@AlessandroMagg4) March 26, 2024
Atlantic Division Squad Reportedly To Give Young European Guard A Chance To Earn Roster Spot
If the 23-year-old guard impresses, he could earn a training camp invite and a deal with the organization.
This will be Jokubaitis’ second summer league action with the Knicks. Jokubaitis was a limited participant with Vegas in 2021, though he was productive. Jokubaitis compiled 19 points on 7 of 10 shooting, including 3 of 5 from 3-point line. He also collected four rebounds and doled out four assists in 29 total minutes.
Who Is Rokutis Jokubaitis?
Jokubaitis is a 6-4 combo guard born in Mažeikiai, Lithuania. Jokubaitis, who began his professional career in 2017, has been considered as one of the top young players in Europe. He is a two-time EuroLeague Player Association Best Young Player award winner (2021, 2022). Additionally, Jokubaitis was named the 2022 EuroLeague Rising Star.
Jokubaitis played professionally in his native Lithuania from 2017-21 with Zalgris Kaunas. He was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 34th overall selection in 2021. However, OKC dealt him and Miles McBride to New York in a draft day deal for Jeremiah Robinson-Earl later on draft night.
After playing with the Knicks summer league squad in 2021, Jokubaitis signed a four-year deal with FC Barcelona. However, he can opt-out after each season and is expected to do so this year.
Jokubaitis serves as Barca’s backup point guard this year. He averages 6.7 points and 3.1 assists while compiling a shooting slash line of .493/.397/.691 in 17.6 minutes over 55 appearances.
Jokubaitis has also been part of the Lithuanian national team for the past two years. This past summer, he had a strong FIBA World Cup, helping Lithuania to a 6-2 record, including wins over the United States and Slovenia.
Scouting Report
Jokubaitis is a magician with the ball in his hands and a gifted scorer and passer. Jokubaitis possesses excellent court vision and makes good reads while excelling in pick-n-roll situations.
He is also a capable mid-range and long-range shooter. The lefty has a quick release and can shoot off the catch or bounce. Jokubatis also likes to push the pace at every opportunity.
While defense is not his specialty, Jokubaitis has excellent instincts and a high-basketball IQ. He also puts in effort on that end and is quick enough to stay in front of most NBA shooting guards. Jokubaitis also closes out well on-ball and off-ball.
What Role Would Jokubaitis Fill For The Knicks In 2024-25?
The Knicks have championship hopes, and after the moves they made before the trade deadline, they appear to be a serious contender next season. The Knicks could make a push this season, but chemistry and health could keep them from reaching the pinnacle in the East.
New York has just nine players under contract for next season, with salaries totaling over $144 million. However, OG Anunoby is expected to receive a big raise after opting out of his $19.9 million player option.
The Knicks will almost certainly give Anunoby any amount he wants. But they have a major decision to make regarding Bojan Bogdanovic, as only $2 million of his $19 million deal is guaranteed.
Precious Achiuwa and Isaiah Hartenstein are the Knicks’ two biggestmost prominent free agents. Achiuwa will be a restricted free agent if the Knicks make him a $6.2 million qualifying offer. The Knicks own Hartenstein’s Early Bird Rights.
New York’s biggest need is a star big man. The Knicks have a few options. They could package Julius Randle, possibly Bogdanovic, and draft capital for Karl-Anthony Towns, Joel Embiid, etc. It would be a surprise if Embiid or Towns will be available this summer in trades.
Another option is to release or trade Bogdanovic for future compensation and pursue Nic Claxton or Jonas Valanciunas, both of whom are unrestricted free agents.
The Knicks also could keep their core together and sign re-sign Achiuwa or Hartenstein.
Besides a top-notch big, a backup point guard should be on the Knicks wish list. That is where Jokubaitis comes in. He could serve as the Knicks third or fourth guard depending on whether they get another quality shooting guard. There are several free agents and two guards who would either fit nicely alongside Jalen Brunson or fill in for current starter Donte DiVincenzo.
DiVincenzo and McBride, who would then slot into the Knicks’ fourth or fifth guard, are having career seasons.
Knicks 2024 Draft Picks
New York projects to have two first-round picks this year and one second-round selection. The Knicks first-rounders are Dallas (top-10 protected) and their own. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards are slated to keep their selections rather than convey them to New York.
Maggi said that Jokubaitis is expected to join the Knicks or Zalgiris Kaunas if he remains in Europe.
