Good news for Duke basketball product Trevor Keels

Trevor Keels, who went No. 42 overall to the New York Knicks at the 2022 NBA Draft after a one-and-done Duke basketball campaign, has played only one minute in one game as a rookie while on a two-way contract. The 6-foot-5 guard is the only active NBA Blue Devil who hasn't scored a single point.

That may soon change.

On Thursday, the franchise announced that Keels inked a 10-day contract, a promotion that places the 19-year-old (now the second-youngest player in the NBA this season) on the Knicks' active roster, at least for now.

Empire Sports Media's Alder Almo explained the reasoning behind the New York brass' decision to turn to Keels to reach the league-minimum 14-man roster before play resumes from the All-Star break:

"With their rotation set and their salary cap hovering near the luxury tax territory, it did not make sense for them to go after a veteran in the buyout."

Barring injuries to others, Trevor Keels is unlikely to play in contests decided by single digits. But he should now have a shot to impress the coaches during mop-up duty.

He's played 17 games for the Knicks' G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, averaging 14.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting 37.0 percent from downtown in 31.3 minutes per game.

HOW, TREVOR KEELS?? 🤯 @wcknicks pic.twitter.com/BmEYhgXFpS
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) February 15, 2023

The New York Knicks (33-27), sitting No. 6 in the Eastern Conference standings and featuring former Duke basketball star guard RJ Barrett in their starting lineup, next play at the Washington Wizards (28-30) at 7 p.m. ET Friday.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

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