Will New Knicks Acquisition Luca Vildoza Suit Up For The Playoffs?

The New York Knicks are making waves right now riding on the back of Julius Randle. But head coach Tom Thibodeau knows that the forward needs all the help he can get. Unfortunately, it appears that will not include newly acquired combo guard Luca Vildoza.

The Argentine guard is set to arrive in New York on Friday, raising questions on whether the 25-year-old will suit up for the Knicks. But it appears the chances of that have been doused with Thibodeau saying that his coming is more of a “summer thing.”

Also, it would be best to note that while Vildoza is talented, inserting him at this point would be risky. Chemistry is an issue most teams are concerned about right now so adding the 6-foot-3 guard at this point may backfire.

And while Vildoza is arriving on Friday, he will also have to undergo the standard six-day COVID-19 testing before he can be allowed on the Knicks bench. New York is set to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday at Madison Square Garden. Game 2 is set at the same venue while game 3 shifts to Atlanta next Sunday.

Vildoza signed a four-year deal worth $13.6 million to join the Knicks. However, the final three years of that deal are not guaranteed. His second season becomes guaranteed the day after the 2021-22 season opener.

The Argentine guard will make $3.5 million this season, excluding the fees tied to his Spanish club buyout. The signing costs the Knicks players a bonus of $200,000 apiece because the team no longer is under the salary-cap floor.

Also, it was announced that Vildoza will be sporting a familiar number. He will don no. 17, the same jersey number that Jeremy Lin when he played for the Knicks in 2012. For those who may not be aware, this was the time when “Linsanity” rose to prominence.

Hence, Knicks and NBA fans may have to wait until the summer to see how Vildoza fits in. Most know that New York is looking for a good backcourt player so it will be interesting if the Argentine player addresses that need.