New York Knicks: Alonzo Trier is the biggest steal of the 2018 NBA Draft
The New York Knicks may have hit on the biggest steal from the 2018 NBA Draft in Allonzo Trier
On June 21, 2018, a disappointed junior from Arizona watched as 60 college and international prospects were chosen ahead of him in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Spending countless hours in the gym this offseason with renowned trainer Chris Brickley, Allonzo Trier has continued to outwork countless others. While problems with performance-enhancing drugs antagonized his image, the former Wildcat has learned from his past mistakes and found a home with the New York Knicks.
Trier showed flashes of potential with his impressive ball-handling and scoring ability in isolation situations, earning him the nickname “Iso Zo”. He has the speed to blow by bigger defenders off the dribble and the strength to finish through contact at the rim.
Trier’s offensive prowess is exemplified by his preseason play against the rival Brooklyn Nets.
When asked which rookie he was most impressed with this far into the season, Portland Trailblazer and NBA veteran Evan Turner praised the Knicks guard. Making his way up the scoring ladder, Allonzo Trier is now 4th among rookies in total points. His athleticism is another promising aspect of the rookie’s game as he showcased one of the best dunks of the season on opening night against the Atlanta Hawks.
Many have compared this young man to Knicks legend John Starks. Both are under-sized, gritty, offensive-minded guards who went undrafted and relied on their work ethic to make it to the NBA.
When asked about being compared to Starks, Trier said:
"“I’m not sure. I don’t know if it’s for me to say if we compare or we’re similar or not. I’ll let other people judge. I’ll just play my game. But it’s real cool to be compared to one of the guys who’s one of the all-time Knicks players and did a lot of great things here. It’s an honor.”"
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Trier has undoubtedly played very well for the Knicks this season, averaging 11.9 points on 50 percent shooting from the field off the bench. Given the uncertain development of Frank Ntilikina and future of Trey Burke, Allonzo Trier is proving he can be a complementary scorer to Kristaps Porzingis and might just be the biggest steal of this rookie class.