The Knicks have agreed with former San Antonio Spurs first-round pick Luka Samanic on a two-way contract, SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley confirmed.
Samanic, 21, was drafted with the 19th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Croatia. He played professionally for FC Barcelona B during the 2017-18 season and then played for Petrol Olimpija of the Slovenian League and ABA League during the 2018-19 season.
He played in 36 games (five starts) over two seasons with the Spurs, averaging 3.8 points on 43 percent shooting and 2.2 rebounds over 9.9 minutes per game. Samanic spent a good amount of time with the G-League affiliate Austin Spurs, playing 33 games with them during his rookie season. He averaged 16.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in 39 games over two seasons in the G-League.
Samanic would fill the Knicks’ second two-way roster spot, as rookie Jericho Sims is also signed to a two-way deal. They will have to cut the roster to 17 players by opening night on Oct. 20, and can have 15 players on traditional contracts plus two players on two-way deals.