The New York Knicks have made it a point to improve their bench rotation in the post-Tom Thibodeau era.
After yet another season in which the Knicks ranked at the bottom of the NBA in bench points (21.7) and minutes (12.7) by a wide margin, the franchise’s 2025-26 iteration will look to prioritize the production of their reserves under newly-minted head coach Mike Brown.
In an effort to further strengthen their bench unit following the team’s crucial free agent acquisitions of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, the Knicks could afford an opportunity to a former collegiate star and No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft that has displayed flashes of serviceable play in recent years, Markelle Fultz.
At just 27 years old, the Philadelphia 76ers’ injury-prone former top draft choice has authored a tumultuous NBA career. His latest 21-game stint with the Sacramento Kings this past season saw the 6-foot-4 guard contribute 2.9 points and 1.3 assists in just 8.8 minutes of action.
While it may appear as though the former University of Washington star has nowhere else to turn, positive production throughout his 5-season tenure with the Orlando Magic from 2019-2024 could pique the interest of the Knicks’ front office.
Fultz proved to be a solid option as a member of the Magic when good health persisted. His 2022-23 season averages of 14.0 points, 5.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals on an impressive 51.4% field goal percentage in 60 appearances indicated that he could potentially serve as an important role player for a contending team.
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The then-24-year-old combo-guard’s defensive effort also went under the radar, as he compiled a 0.7 defensive box plus-minus.
If the Knicks are willing to give the two-way guard a shot at contributing to a team with championship aspirations in spot minutes, a healthy campaign for Fultz could result in the team completing one of the more underrated signings of the 2025 offseason.
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