Knicks Add Veteran PG Jarrett Jack to Roster

BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 15: (CHINA OUT) Jarrett Jack #0 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings as part of the 2014 NBA Global Games at the MasterCard Center on October 15, 2014 in Beijing, China. (Photo by ChinaFotoPress/Getty Images)

The offseason changes to the New York Knicks roster are not done, as the franchise has just signed veteran Jarrett Jack. The Knicks signed the 33-year-old to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal following Jack’s injury history and possibly his age. Jack played two games with the New Orleans Pelicans last year before suffering a season-ending torn meniscus injury. It was his second major injury to his right knee in as many seasons. 

Jarrett Jack was on three other teams in the last two years. He was on the Brooklyn Nets when he tore his right ACL during the 2015-2016 season. That summer he originally signed a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, but was waived when his return to playing was questionable. Finally, he ended up signing a 10–day contract with the Pelicans last season where he suffered another torn ligament in his right knee, this time it was his meniscus. Overall, in the last 13 years, he has played for eight different teams and averaged at most, 11 points and 4.5 assists per game.  

The hope for the Knicks, is to get Jack healthy enough to work with this summer’s No. 8 pick, Frank Ntilikina.  The odd thing is, in the weeks after signing the rookie point guard, Jack is the second veteran signed this summer to play alongside Ntilikina. Veteran guard, Ramon Sessions was also added to the roster.  The Knicks have now added two more guards  in addition to the 19-year-old, Ntilikina, they drafted out of France. 

The Knicks front office may be second guessing Ntilikina’s ability to come into the league and immediately impact the team after their 31-win season last year. They are in need of effective changes that can get them to at least be a playoff contender and .500 team. Once Jarrett Jack’s contract is official, that will take the Knicks roster to 20, which is the maximum number allowed in training camp. Which leaves the question, are the Knicks done? Although they cannot add any players, before the season starts, will we see a player removed? It is simply speculation, as there has been the continuous talk of what Carmelo Anthony’s plans are for this season, just like the same speculation heard the last few seasons. One thing is for certain, as of today, the New York Knicks have 20 rostered players for training camp, including their latest addition Jarrett Jack.