Impressive during the Olympic Games and more generally for several months, Mathias Lessort is today one of the best basketball players not to play in the NBA. So much so that his coach, Vincent Collet, is surprised not to see him in a squad in the United States, even if the situation is complex.
Because, if he wants to cross the Atlantic, the interior, which will celebrate its 29th birthday in September, will have only one option: the Knicks. The franchise that currently owns its NBA rights, and has done so since 2020.
Obviously, unless there is a transfer, this limits the options, but SNY TV indicates that new York approached the Panathinaikos player this summer, with a view to bringing him in.
Problem: Mathias Lessort and the New York management failed to find common ground, which quickly ended the discussions. No doubt, in order to leave Europe, the 50th pick in the 2017 Draft needs solid guarantees that have not (yet?) been offered to him.
In their racket, the Knicks already have Mitchell Robinson, Precious Achiuwa And Jericho Sims at post 5, also with Julius Randle who can play pivot. They have the option to sign an additional player, since they only have 14 players under guaranteed contract (out of a maximum of 15).
Photo credit: FIBA.com
