Free agent forward John Konchar is officially a New York Knick, signing a one-year deal that gets the defending champions to 14 players on standard contracts. His agent broke the news to ESPN, confirming what looks like a smart, gritty grab for the team as they gear up for another run.
The Versatile Scrapper Who Rebounds Like a Forward
You gotta know Konchar is no slouch, especially for an undrafted guy making it this far. He stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs in at 210 pounds, which is a solid frame. Coach Mike Brown can immediately see he’s bigger than most guards on the floor, and that’s huge. The man can guard multiple positions, which is exactly the kind of versatility every championship team needs. And here’s the kicker: he rebounds like a forward, not some backcourt piece just cruising by. That’s hustle you can’t teach, and the Knicks snagged it.
This signing is interesting because Konchar essentially steps into the spot left open by Mitchell Robinson, who bounced this offseason for a three-year, $47 million deal with the Celtics. So, Konchar is filling a big pair of shoes, but the Knicks are getting a “body who can do a little of everything,” as the reports suggest. He’s entering his eighth NBA season, so he’s got experience, he’s seen a lot, and he knows what it takes to stick around in this league.
From Undrafted to the Defending Champs
Konchar’s journey to Madison Square Garden has been anything but a straight shot. Undrafted out of Purdue-Fort Wayne in 2019, he’s had a long, winding road to this point. Last season alone was a whirlwind, split between Memphis and Utah. He averaged 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 steals in 56 games. But get this: he got more run in Utah, and he absolutely made it count, shooting 44.5% and dropping a career-high 5.9 points a game. That tells you he can step up when given the chance.
The guy was in demand too. The Heat, Magic, and Raptors all had their eyes on him, but the Knicks got him for the price of a roster spot. He went from Memphis to Utah in February, then from Utah to Minnesota in August with Cody Williams for Josh Green and cash. And get this, Minnesota waived him the same day just to free up cash to fit Jonathan Kuminga under the second apron. Talk about a roller coaster! But now, he’s with the defending champs, and that’s gotta feel good.
What’s Next as Training Camp Approaches
With Konchar locked in, the Knicks have their 14 standard contracts lined up just in time for training camp, which opens October 1. They still have roughly $3.2 million in room left below the second apron, so Konchar filling that 14th spot is a key piece of their financial puzzle for the season. This move isn’t just about a single player, it’s about the defending champions getting their roster set, adding a versatile, hard-nosed player who can do the dirty work. The real work starts soon, and Konchar is ready to show why he belongs.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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