Last January, the Knicks made good use of 10-day contracts, signing guard Langston Galloway out of the D-League and extending similar audition pacts to Lance Thomas and Lou Amundson after acquiring them in a fire-sale trade.
On Tuesday, 10-day contracts can begin to be issued, and the Knicks are looking at improving the point-guard position. They also are in great position to strike fast, with an open roster spot from training camp, and with Cleanthony Early out indefinitely after he was shot in the knee during a robbery.
“I haven’t been involved in any conversations to that degree,’’ Knicks coach Derek Fisher said. “I can’t fully speak for Phil [Jackson], Steve [Mills] and Allan [Houston] in that respect. I’m sure it’s something they’re looking at or considering, but I haven’t been involved just yet.’’
Sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette of Glens Falls is putting up solid offensive numbers in the D-League with the Westchester Knicks, posting a near-triple-double Saturday (25 points, 11 rebounds, nine rebounds). He’s averaging 23.5 points and 4.9 assists, but could be signed by any NBA club.
The Knicks had inquired about former 76ers point guard Tony Wroten, a free agent who was waived two weeks ago. Wroten himself sparked rumors he was close to a Knicks deal by tweeting “#Tape’’ Sunday — with the conspiracy theory it was a reference to #Knickstape — the anthem for online Knicks fans. But a league source said nothing was happening on that front. Wroten has several other suitors.
The Knicks have Pistons backup point guard Brandon Jennings, a free agent this summer, on their radar, but that would require a complicated trade. Point guard Jose Calderon has been erratic and, after a red-hot start to the season, backup Galloway has cooled.
Rookie point guard Jerian Grant hasn’t progressed as quickly as expected but had a strong game Sunday against Atlanta. Grant had not played three times in the last 10 games.
The Hawks selected Grant with the 19th pick for the Knicks, who gave up Tim Hardaway Jr. in the exchange. The deal hasn’t worked out that well for either. Hardaway has appeared in just four games. He’s actually suited up for more games in the D-League — five. He was recalled from Austin on Sunday but not in time to be at the Garden.
Fisher said Early was released from the hospital Saturday. When asked if he will return before the season ends, Fisher said, “I think right now it’s not really the time to get into those discussions.’’