Knicks Sign 'LeBron Of Ukraine' After Strong EuroBasket

September 18, 2022 ,

He's been called the 'LeBron of Ukraine' since his college days at Kansas. But free agent wing Svi Mykhailiuk, released by the Toronto Raptors last month, has never quite lived up to that moniker in North America. But an impressive performance at this month's EuroBasket has won him another NBA job.

Svi Mykhailiuk wasn't exactly a reincarnation of LeBron James at EuroBasket, but he did lead the tournament in steals, enough to catch the eye of the New York Knicks, who've now signed him to a partially guaranteed one-year deal.

In six games at the tournament, he averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals. 

By helping lead Ukraine to the Round of 16, he was glad to be able to give his country, invaded by Russia earlier this year, something to cheer for. “I feel like it’d an excellent opportunity for us to give people back home some joy and take their focus away from the war by showing them great basketball.” Mykhailiuk had said.

His 4-year run in the NBA has been far less successful, as he's compiled averages of 6.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 35% shooting from 3-point range. He had a decidedly uninspired year with the Raptors last season, managing only a 30% mark from long distance. 

Photos: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sportsk, David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

 



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