The Knicks are reportedly keeping tabs on free agent forward Michael-Kidd Gilchrist, a former No. 2 overall draft pick.
Team brass apparently sees Kidd-Gilchrist as a smart, tough, defensive-minded player and a good locker room guy, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
Adding Kidd-Gilchrist would comport with team president Leon Rose's plan to surround new coach Tom Thibodeau with players who fit his style, the report said, and Knicks assistant coach Kenny Payne was an assistant at Kentucky during Kidd-Gilchrist's time there.
MKG was drafted second overall in 2012 by the Charlotte Hornets after he starred for the Wildcats. Though he's fallen well short of expectations, he's played strong defense throughout his career and occasionally flashed in other facets, but his feeble offensive game never seemed to develop.
Kidd-Gilchrist's playing time dwindled the past couple seasons as it appeared his run in Charlotte was winding down, and the Hornets finally released him in February after the trade deadline.
He was picked up for the stretch run by the Mavericks, who at times even deployed him as a defensive stopper against Clippers star Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs, but he didn't make a big dent in Dallas and is expected to be allowed to sign elsewhere, the Post reported.
For his career, MKG has averaged 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game.