Jaden Akins Gives the Knicks a Reason to Look Twice After Late Preseason Push

Jaden Akins caught attention with timely threes and a crucial hustle play against Washington. Can he turn those moments into a bigger Knicks opportunity?

Jaden Akins made his opportunity count during the New York Knicks’ preseason matchup with Washington.

The guard connected on two three-pointers, including a late basket that helped New York’s comeback attempt. He also chased down and saved a loose ball in the final 30 seconds, preserving another chance for the Knicks to draw level.

New York ultimately lost 111-109, but those contributions gave Akins something to build on. The Jaden Akins Knicks preseason story is now about whether a promising appearance can become a stronger case for an opportunity within the organization.

Akins Delivers When Every Possession Matters

The closing stages against Washington offered a useful test for a player trying to attract the coaching staff’s attention.

Akins contributed in two different ways. His shooting helped reduce the deficit, while his effort to rescue a loose ball kept a crucial possession available.

The second action was particularly relevant to his audition. It required him to remain involved after the initial play had broken down and recognize that there was still something to recover.

Akins helped extend New York’s chances through both shot-making and effort. The final result did not erase the value of those individual decisions.

Perimeter Shooting Gives Him a Skill to Build Around

Making two threes in an exhibition does not establish a player as a dependable NBA shooter. It does show why the Knicks should continue evaluating what Akins can provide.

For a guard seeking a supporting role, the ability to capitalize on an available perimeter attempt matters. Players who receive limited touches need to be prepared when the ball reaches them.

The next step is consistency: producing balanced attempts, maintaining sound shot selection and making timely decisions against different defensive pressure.

If Akins can repeat those habits, his shooting could offer a clear reason to keep him involved. The coaches will need more possessions to determine how reliably that skill translates.

The Loose-Ball Save Strengthens His Audition

Akins’ late save also illustrates how a developing player can influence a game without controlling the offense.

Loose-ball situations demand awareness as well as activity. Reaching the ball is only the first task; keeping it in play in a way that helps teammates requires another decision.

Against Washington, Akins’ intervention helped preserve New York’s final opportunity to tie. For someone competing for attention, that is a concrete contribution the staff can review.

It would be premature to turn one hustle play into a sweeping judgment about his career. Still, the sequence demonstrated the kind of involvement a coach wants from a player entering a competitive game.

Mike Brown’s Competition Creates an Opening

Brown has challenged players outside the starting five to compete for roster places or minutes. Akins’ performance fits within that broader evaluation.

The challenge for a less-established candidate is turning a short appearance into evidence of a useful role. Coaches must determine whether the player can contribute alongside different teammates and remain dependable when the game becomes less favorable.

For Akins, that means the next appearance matters as much as the encouraging one. His defensive assignments, ball security and response to missed shots will help complete the picture.

A strong finish can earn closer attention. Repeated execution can make that attention last.

What Comes Next for Akins?

Akins has supplied specific reasons for the Knicks to keep watching: perimeter makes during a comeback and an effort play that protected another possession.

Neither guarantees a roster outcome. Preseason decisions depend on team needs, the performances of other candidates and what coaches observe throughout camp.

His task is to make his contribution recognizable from one appearance to the next. Taking appropriate shots, staying engaged away from the ball and completing assignments would help establish that continuity.

Against Washington, Akins showed he could affect the game in a limited opportunity. His next challenge is giving the Knicks reasons to offer another one.