Malcolm

Delaney

Delaney spent the first two years of his career in Atlanta, but he played in the CBA last season and is now headed to Spain. At 30 years old, we may have already seen the last of Delaney in the NBA.

In addition to Delaney, who last played in the NBA during the 2017-18 season with the Hawks, Jodie Meeks, Arron Afflalo and DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell are also participating in the workout. Golden State currently has 13 players under guaranteed contracts for the 2019-20 season but that figure does not include Alfonzo McKinnie, who is a candidate to begin the season as a starter.

Delaney last played in the NBA in 2017-18, when he appeared in 53 games for the Hawks. He spent last season playing for the Guangdong Southeastern Tigers. The Knicks have already signed 15 players to guaranteed contracts, so it is highly unlikely he ends up in New York in 2019-20.

It’s a two-year, $1.4M deal. Delaney, who prides himself on his versatility, believes he’ll be able to play with anybody. “I can shoot the ball, distribute, but I feel like I am a play-maker,” he said. “Whatever they need me to do. If they want me to get 10 assists and not shoot, I can do that. Or I can score 20. For me, I just adapt to whatever the coach needs. I think that’s the biggest thing for me.”

The 27-year-old has spent the past six years playing overseas, but he’ll be coming stateside for the 2016-17 season where he’ll help backup Dennis Schroder. He’ll have zero fantasy value in most leagues.

“He is a rookie who has played in the Euroleague final four. He’s played at the highest level in Europe and been one of the top guards over there,” Bud said. “His demeanor and his understanding of the game, we feel really good about his addition. We have so much respect for European basketball. What he has done over there, to add that to our team, we are very hopeful he is somebody who is going to help us.” Delaney has clearly made an early impression, but it’s hard to see him pushing for relevance in the majority of fantasy formats.

Although the point guard said that his rehab is “progressing,” we’re considering him doubtful for opening night given he hasn’t participated in a single practice to date and stated that the team isn’t rushing his return. Assuming Jack misses time in the regular season, rookie Malcolm Delaney—who has turned heads since arriving from Europe—will serve as Dennis Schroder’s backup. For what it’s worth, Jack is hopeful to begin some shooting exercises and non-contact practice work next week.

He might be the best point guard even hardcore NBA fans never heard of. Delaney has size, quicks and a jumper as a backup in coach Mike Budenholzer’s offense. Jarrett Jack (knee) will be brought along slowly, so maybe we see some Delaney early in the year. Just keep an eye on him.

With Jarrett Jack (knee) getting cut, Delaney is locked and loaded as a backup point guard. We’ve seen coach Mike Budenholzer put Dennis Schroder in the doghouse before, so maybe we get a handful of Delaney games. Unless you’re in a deep league, just throw him on your watch list.

Jack signed a guaranteed deal with the Hawks for the veteran’s minimum as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, so his salary will go against the Hawks cap this season. He’s still rehabbing from knee surgery, and won’t be ready for opening night, but Jack should be able to latch on with another team for the minimum. With Jack gone, it’ll be Malcolm Delaney serving as Dennis Schroder’s primary backup, and Will Bynum now has a decent shot of making the team.