Knicks cut Kidd-Gilchrist
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s Knicks career never got off the ground.
The former No. 2 overall pick will be waived by the Knicks, a source confirmed, after he missed the entire preseason because of an illness.
Despite signing a non-guaranteed deal, KiddGilchrist was considered a strong candidate for a final roster spot because of his pedigree as a former No. 2 overall pick and his longtime connection to Knicks executive William Wesley. But Kidd-Gilchrist got sick early in training camp and wasn’t active for the four preseason games.
The 27-year-old didn’t have COVID-19, according to league sources, and the Knicks have had no players test positive since training camp started.
Kidd-Gilchrist’s departure leaves the Knicks with the maximum 15 guaranteed contracts. It also means the Knicks now have only four former Kentucky Wildcats, which, according to MSG Network, is still a franchise record for players on the roster from one school.
NETS CUT CHIOZZA
The Nets have waived Chris Chiozza, bringing an end to a short but eventful stint in Brooklyn.
Chiozza joined the Nets on a two-way deal in January and averaged about 6.5 points, three assists and two rebounds in his 18 games last season. He was unable to crack the rotation of a talented fleet of Brooklyn guards that features Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert.
The Nets also waived Elie Okobo and Paul Eboua, both of whom signed deals last week. Brooklyn’s roster now stands at 17 players.
Chiozza said he re-signed with the Nets this offseason for an opportunity to compete for a spot on a team with championship aspirations. He is now a free agent, and Chiozza said other teams had interest, as well.
“It was two-ways and opportunities that I didn’t think were as good as being here, trying to stay here, and being on a team that’s gonna compete for a championship,” he said.
Chiozza did not play against the Celtics but appeared for nine minutes in the preseason opener against the Wizards. He scored eight points and recorded two assists, shooting twoof-two from three.