Charania: Thanasis Antetokounmpo deciding between D-League and Europe

When the Knicks drafted Thanasis Antetokounmpo this June, it seemed pretty unlikely that he'd actually be playing on the team this season. According to Shams Charania, Thanasis is now making a decision about where he'll play next season:

Thanasis Antetokounmpo, New York's pick, deciding between D-League Westchester or Spain/Italy deal, sources tell RealGM. Knicks roster full.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 7, 2014

I think the obvious preference for the Knicks would be to keep him in Westchester for the new D-League squad. Allan Houston will be the GM of the Westchester Knicks, so obviously the New York Knicks would be able to keep their eyes on Thanasis.

Similarly, the competition in the D-League is a good way to ready NBA prospects. Thanasis played for the Delaware 87ers last year, but he's still pretty raw, so perhaps another year with NBA-like competition -- still with much of the Knicks' brass and likely their system, too -- would be good for him.

However, for Thanasis's sake, playing in Spain or Italy would pay a lot better, and might be more comfortable.

For the Knicks' sake, I hope Thanasis sticks in the D-League. Though he'll have no chance of being called up unless a roster spot opens up, he'll have contact with the organization and get more chances to develop. Regardless of what Thanasis does, New York will hold his draft rights.