Trevor Keels Embraces Knicks Expectations, 'Learning' From Jalen Brunson
Trevor Keels is a young basketball player, and, in his second year playing Vegas Summer League basketball, has yet to turn 20 years old.
In Keels' first season with the New York Knicks, spent between Manhattan and G League Westchester, he was able to be a part of a team that went to the second round of the NBA playoffs, though he appeared in only eight minutes of the actual trek. All of that came in mop-up duty when the game was well in hand.
But that afforded Keels a chance to watch Jalen Brunson's lauded first year in New York from courtside, and he's hoping to show what he learned as the Knicks continue to work through their Summer League slate.
“I feel like I’m at a good spot," the 6-5, 221-lb. Keels said of his New York status (h/t New York Basketball). "I learn from Jalen Brunson, one of the best guards here. Him teaching me the ropes ... (we've) got good vets on our team … I feel like I’m getting better."
"He me little things, how to use my body, how to use athleticism."
For the Knicks to take the next step as a franchise, they will have to capitalize on talent one way or the other, wherever they can find it. Many believe they don't have the talent needed to make an NBA Finals run, but developing young prospects, especially in-house, will get them much closer to that ultimate goal. If Keels can develop himself to become a rotation player, the Knicks could then potentially make the roster moves necessary to continue attempting to build a championship roster.
Just because Keels is a young prospect that has plenty of time develop doesn't ensure his roster safety. He averaged 14.5 points per game with the Knicks' G League affiliated team, though he lost over turnovers a game. In Las Vegas, Keels has kept up his G League duties by playing on the ball and running the offense.
“I can defend, and I also can run the team," Keels said. "I’m a competitor, and I’m all about what the Knicks want,"
While this Summer League remains key to Keels' future and will be decisive in his future with the team, he remains confident and positive. His next chance to show how far he has come lands on Wednesday night when the Knicks face the Orlando Magic's prospects (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
You can follow Kade Kimble on Twitter @KadeKimble.
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