The New York Knicks have made a significant addition to their roster ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. In preparation for their first game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks have finalized a two-year deal with guard Duane Washington Jr. The signing was announced on Tuesday afternoon, just before the team took to the court for their season opener.
New York Knicks Ink 2-Year Agreement with NBA Star Duane Washington Jr.
Duane Washington Jr. brings valuable experience to the Knicks, having played 31 regular season games for the Phoenix Suns last year. During his time with the Suns, Washington Jr. showcased his skills, averaging 7.9 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His shooting percentages were impressive, with 36.7% from the field and 36.0% from beyond the arc.
The Knicks organization expressed their excitement about the new signing, stating, “The New York Knicks announced today that the team has signed guard Duane Washington Jr. to a two-way contract.“
Knicks sign Duane Washington Jr. pic.twitter.com/wY2xKLmtLU
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) October 24, 2023
Before his NBA journey, Washington Jr. played college basketball for Ohio State, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience on the court. Despite going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, he managed to secure a spot in the league, playing for the Indiana Pacers and later joining the Phoenix Suns. In 79 regular season games, Washington Jr. has maintained solid averages of 9.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His shooting percentages remain impressive at 39.1% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range.
At just 23 years old, Washington Jr. has already proven himself as a capable shooter and scorer in the NBA. With his arrival, the Knicks are optimistic about the impact he can make coming off the bench. The team’s performance last season was commendable, securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, they eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round but fell short against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in the second round, losing the series in six games.
The addition of Washington Jr. strengthens the Knicks’ backcourt and provides them with an additional scoring threat. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc will undoubtedly be an asset to the team’s offensive strategy. As the Knicks embark on the new season, hopes are high that Washington Jr. will contribute significantly to their success.
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The New York Knicks have secured a two-year deal with guard Duane Washington Jr., bolstering their roster for the upcoming NBA season. With his proven shooting ability and scoring prowess, Washington Jr. presents a promising addition to the team’s bench. As the Knicks aim to build on their previous season’s success, they eagerly anticipate the impact Washington Jr. will have on the court.