The last week was a tough one for fans of both international basketball and the New York Knicks. RJ Barrett was masterful during his qualifying tournament, but his Canadians were sent packing by the Czech Republic. Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin scrimmaged with the USA Select Team, but IQ came down with a case of COVID.
But the Olympics stops for no man — or pandemic, apparently — and the Knicks still have two players headed to Tokyo: rookie Luca Vildoza and wily vet Frank Ntilikina.
Let us start with the Argentine. Knicks fans who stayed up past midnight got their first live glimpse of Vildoza Saturday night in a tune-up against the hated Australians.