The New York Knicks Phil Jackson made headlines again after inking Compton native Brandon Jennings to a one year deal worth five million dollars on Monday (July 4). Jennings will serve as the backup point guard to the newly selected Derrick Rose. The former 10th overall pick in the 2009 draft was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks one pick after the Knicks selected Jordan Hill 9th.
After rupturing his achilles in early 2015, the 26-year-old is looking to regain form after stops in Detroit and Orlando this year. He is coming off his worst statistical season scoring 7 points per game in about only 18 minutes a game, which is less than half of his career scoring average of 15.5 points per game. Aside from seeing plenty of time on the floor, Jennings serves as the team’s sixth man, giving the Knicks a jolt of scoring off the bench (which has lacked since J.R. Smith’s trade).
The former Oak Hill Academy standout took to Twitter to break the news to his followers.
🗽…
— Brandon Jennings (@brandonjennings) July 4, 2016
Can’t wait to play in the Mecca!! Excited to be joining such a historic franchise @NYKNICKS!!!
— Brandon Jennings (@brandonjennings) July 4, 2016
The one year deal is in essence a “show-me” deal where Jennings will get to prove himself in the upcoming season by staying healthy and playing good basketball. If all goes according to plan, he’ll look to cash in next summer during free agency when the NBA salary cap will exceed a record 110 million dollars.
Gottem. @brandonjenningspic.twitter.com/X7A24sOKkc
— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) July 6, 2016
According to ESPN’s Ian Begley, Jennings will wear number 3 this upcoming season, which should be an exciting one in New York.
I said this on the podcast, but I want to say it here: Brandon Jennings at $5 million is a STEAL. Great insurance for Derrick Rose. Love it.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 6, 2016
He has also made headlines for tweeting, then deleting a plea for the Knicks to trade for ex-Knick, Trevor Ariza.
The new-look New York Knicks. pic.twitter.com/Na5yWe0zbi
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 4, 2016
Welcome to New York, Brandon.