James

White

The 6-7 White was the first pick of the second round, taken 31st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. His rights were acquired in a draft-day deal for the rights to Alexander Johnson and two future second-round picks. White averaged 11.7 points at Cincinnati, including 16.3 points as a senior. He’ll play in next week’s summer league in Orlando and should see time at both shooting guard and small forward for the Pacers. The Pacers also said they would have taken White at No. 17 if Shawne Williams was no longer available, which possibly would have been more controversial than the Knicks taking Renaldo Balkman at No. 20.

Maybe we’ll get to see James White throw it down on game night once again. “The Flight” spent the last two seasons in Italy, but he’s seeking a return to the NBA before evaluating his other options abroad.

White was the No. 31 pick in the 2006 draft, but since then he’s only played in 10 NBA games while spending most of his time in Europe and the D-League. He’s a solid defender with good athleticism who projects as a small-minute role player off the bench.

He was drafted in the second round by Larry Bird and the Pacers in 2006 and he never made much of an impact in the NBA. He’s been playing in Europe (Italy) since 2010, but will make his return to the NBA with the Knicks. From a fantasy standpoint, we’re not expecting much, especially if the Knicks bring back J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Landry Fields.

White shot 1-of-7 from the field and didn’t do anything to improve his bid for the starting job, which Mychel Thompson had occupied until tonight. J.R. Smith could end up starting, and Ronnie Brewer and Iman Shumpert will further complicate matters once they’re healthy.

Nothing indicates that this is a serious injury, and Smith was spotted jumping around on the sidelines during the game -- in all likelihood, his absence was precautionary. J.R. has been coming off the bench this preseason, and James White started at SG on Saturday.

J.R. Smith is going to come off the bench and he’s not happy about it. With Iman Shumpert and Ronnie Brewer both injured, White or Mychel Thompson look like the starting SG for the time being. Mike Woodson hasn’t said who will start tonight, but out guess is that Thompson will get the nod. White wasn’t supposed to travel initially, but is apparently getting over the injury.

White should be able to play in Friday’s preseason game, where he will have a chance to show that he can start at SG until the Knicks get healthier at the position.

White traveled with the team but is still nursing the injury. He’s currently battling Mychel Thompson for the starting SG job with both Ronnie Brewer (knee surgery) and Iman Shumpert (knee surgery) sidelined.

Chandler is also not using crutches any longer and anticipates being ready for the opener. The absences were expected as each player is targeting the regular season opener for his return. All three are tentatively expected to be ready for New York’s first game against the Nets, but their timetables remain fluid.