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Just because the Knicks have only 10 games left doesn’t mean they’re settled with this year’s roster.
After a late change of plans, NYK will not sign Simi Shittu, sources say. Club has an open roster spot. Sources confirm NYK has been in talks with Argentinian G Luca Vildoza to add him to roster. @hoopshype reports there’s a deal in place. @chemadelucas earlier reported talks.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 28, 2021
The 25-year-old Vildoza is apparently working on a buyout with Baskonia, his Spanish club. Hailing from Argentina, Vildoza plays both guard positions; at Baskonia he succeeded Facundo Campazzo, who now plays in Denver. Vildoza shot 38% this year, scoring a tad over 10 points a game. His skills have caught the attention of many around the NBA, including at least one former legend.
— kris pursiainen (@krispursiainen) April 28, 2021
translated summary: kobe was enamored with two argentinian players in 2019 and told the lakers to sign them, one was luca vildoza #knicks pic.twitter.com/B0ZuzCqMZX
Vildoza will be eligible to play in the postseason, which may matter sooner than later. Elfrid Payton has averaged under 20 minutes a game for more than a month and plays less and less in crunch time. Alec Burks is only today back with the club after returning from COVID protocol. Perhaps management noticed players who can shoot offer benefits players who can’t don’t? Who can say?
Stay tuned to P&T for updates on Vildoza’s status as more news comes in. In the meantime, check out these clips courtesy of Spencer Pearlman. Vildoza looks like a player.
Luca Vildoza (@lucavildoza) is someone NBA teams should keep an eye on in the FA market. Skilled PG who can defend, finish in the paint with either hand, create out of the PnR for shots at all 3 levels, hit C&S 3s and off the bounce 3s, and plays with some flair. pic.twitter.com/CCY3oHQdo6
— Spencer (@SKPearlman) February 13, 2019