The New York Knicks have added another playmaker to their roster, signing veteran point guard Jarrett Jack to a one-year contract. The signing was first reported by Basketball Insiders' Michael Scotto, who said that Jack's contract was non-guaranteed. Last season, Jack suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans for two games after signing a 10-day contract in February. After that, he was sidelined for four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.
The 33-year-old Jack has been bothered by right knee issues in the last two years that led to a decline in his play.
In 2016, when he was still with the Brooklyn Nets, Jack sustained a torn ACL and a small medial meniscus tear against the Boston Celtics. Before injuries led to a decline in his performance, Jack was known as a steady contributor off the bench during his stints with several teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Nets.
Jack will join the crowded Knicks backcourt that already has rookie playmaker Frank Ntilikina, free-agent signing Tim Hardaway Jr., Ron Baker, Ramon Sessions and Courtney Lee. Jack is also expected to mentor Ntilikina, who will be the future starting guard for the Knicks.
Lonzo Ball learns lessons from Steve Nash
Contrary to the belief of his outspoken father, Los Angeles Lakers rookie playmaker Lonzo Ball said he learned a lot during his workout out with two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash. Ball told Pro Basketball Talk that Nash helped him in several aspects of the game that can help him become an all-around player.
“I appreciate him taking time out of his day to do that because I know he didn’t have to,” said Ball. The point guard added that Nash also emphasized the importance of spending time in the training room and nutrition to keep the body right. The Lakers selected Ball as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to be their starting guard.
LaVar Ball criticized Nash
Before Lonzo underwent training with Nash, his father, LaVar, criticized the two-time MVP, saying his son has nothing to learn from working out with the eight-time All-Star. “What Steve Nash going to teach my boy? He's short and slow, man," LaVar told Ryan Ward of ClutchPoints. In his 18-year NBA career, Nash won the MVP trophy in 2005 and 2006 and made it to the All-NBA First Team three times from 2005 to 2007. During his NBA stint, he played for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and the Lakers, finishing his career third in the NBA all-time assists leaders with 10,335 dimes.
