It is apparent Knicks' first-rounder F Kevin Knox wasn't fazed by his first taste of NBA basketball. Just look at what he did in just a few games out west in the Summer League.
Knox was named first-team All-Summer League as he electrified the court with thunderous dunks and crafty moves to the lane. After four games, he averaged a stellar 21.3 points per game.
At 18 years old, Knox has impressed many by how mature his game has looked. But his father, Kevin Knox Sr., wasn't too surprised that his son stole the show.
"It's all part of the process," Knox Sr. told The Post's Marc Berman. "Every human being matures differently. Every rose doesn't bloom at the same time. Every caterpillar doesn't cocoon into a butterfly at the same time. Kevin Knox might have cocooned a little earlier.''
Some experts have knocked Knox's ability to create his own shot, which he would need to improve on at the pro level. However, Knox Sr. says the only surprise he saw was that exact ability showcased in Las Vegas for all to see.
"The biggest surprise was the ability to create with the ball in his hands and get his own shot," Knox Sr. said. "He didn't get the opportunity to see that in Kentucky as much. He was more astute with the ball, making decisions. He created off the dribble and got his shot off like Kevin Durant whom he patterns his game after."
Arguably the best scorer in the NBA, Knox certainly picks a good player to look up to in Durant. His father even believes Knox could grow to Durant's 6-foot-11 frame as he is still very young.
Knox may be one of the youngest rookies heading into the NBA this season, but that maturity and ability to be calm under the pressure of thousands watching can be credited to his one year at Kentucky. Head coach John Calipari is obviously one of the best at getting young talent ready for the next level as quickly as possible. Anthony Davis, Karl Anthony-Towns, and Devin Booker are just some All-Stars that he has seen through his doors.
Knox Sr. says Coach Cal worked hard to get Knox to where he is today.
"I don't think at Kentucky he was quite ready to be at the top the whole time, but Cal continued to work with him in the process and got Kevin ready for the NBA," Knox Sr. said. "When he got to Kentucky, he wasn't ready to be the iso guy. I was happy with his development [with the Wildcats] but happy to pass the baton to Coach Fizdale and continue that process."
Now, Knox has stardom written all over him as he caught the eyes of Knicks fans and NBA fans alike at the Summer League. The regular season will be much more revealing as to what Fizdale wants to do with the rookie, and how he will play under the Madison Square Garden lights.
But Knox Sr. noted this is exactly what he wanted for his son -- the New York City spotlight shining on him.
"That's where we wanted to be -- in New York, we wanted to be a New York Knick, with Steve Mills, all the way to Scott Perry and Fizdale," Knox Sr., who wore a blue and orange suit on Draft Day, said. "Being in the mecca of basketball, the focal point of the United States and the world. I just wore my heart on my sleeve. We got what we wanted. It feels too good to be true."
With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined indefinitely, Knox could be the focal point of the Knicks this season. And if he performs the way he did on the Summer League stage, his star could shine as bright as his new teammate.