Phil Jackson on Knicks' 2nd-rounder Cleanthony Early: 'he's still green'

Knicks president Phil Jackson is encouraged by Cleanthony Early's play in two summer league games, but said that the 2014 second-round pick is "still green,"

Knicks president Phil Jackson is encouraged by Cleanthony Early's play in two summer league games, but said that the 2014 second-round pick is "still green," according to the New York Post.

Early, 23, scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds over the Knicks' first two summer league contests before sitting out the third with a sprained ankle. He is expected to suit up on Thursday against a D-League select team.

The 6-foot-8, 219-pound forward could serve as a backup at small forward for Carmelo Anthony, whose decision to re-sign with the Knicks on a five-year contract was announced this week.

“He still hasn’t shown he wants to put the ball on the floor,’’ one NBA scout told The Post. “But his defense is good. He plays hard.’’

New York also selected Greek small forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo in the second-round and did not have a first-round pick in this year's draft.  

The Knicks won 37 games and missed the playoffs last season.

JOHNSON: Second-round picks who could make an impact in 2013-14

- Chris Johnson