Jamel Artis Making Mark With Knicks

Jamel Artis may not have ended his collegiate career as a member of the Pittsburgh Panthers in a way he or fans envisioned. However, he has put his best foot forward as a member of the New York Knicks summer league roster in Orlando, FL. New York is still looking to secure a win through three games, not that winning or losing matters as much as player evaluation, but Artis has contributed to the success they have found.

Through three games, he’s averaging slightly over 17 minutes per game, including a start in his most recent outing. Artis is making the most of his minutes, averaging nine points per game on 50% shooting from the floor (10-20) and 41.6% from three-point distance (5-12). He is making small contributions on the boards (two rebounds per contest) and involving teammates (1.3 assists per game), but his ability to put the ball in the basket is what the Knicks are likely keying on.

In a league that is becoming positionless, especially on the perimeter, Artis is an attractive prospect in that he can score the ball, make plays off the bounce, and his court vision and passing ability make him a multi-dimensional threat. Of course he’ll likely remain a negative on the defensive end at the NBA level, close to the prime years of his career, and isn’t a top-flight athlete. Still for a team like New York, that has shown in recent years that they’ll keep undrafted rookies on their roster, Artis is certainly in a better position to make a roster than other rookies.