Knicks Sign Former Grizzlies Big Man Ivan Rabb to Two-Way Contract

Ivan Rabb snags the Knicks’ second of two available two-way deals as the power forward played for David Fizdale in Memphis.

Ivan Rabb, a 22-year-old 6-foot-10 power forward, has signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, as first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Rabb was drafted with the 35th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night after two seasons at the University of California. He played two seasons with Memphis, putting up averages of 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 55.5% field goal shooting over 85 total games.

In 13 starts last year, Rabb averaged 9.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 52.1% shooting in 24.8 minutes per game.

Rabb spent most of his time in the G League with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ affiliate. He played seven G League games last season, averaging 23.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 52.9% from the field and 39.4% from deep with 1.4 made triples per game.

Rabb, who played under David Fizdale his rookie year, was waived by Memphis last week. He and Kadeem Allen are the two players in possession of the Knicks’ pair of two-way contracts.

The reason the Knicks have a two-way slot open this late is because of health complications with Kris Wilkes, the original recipient of the contract. New York signed a two-way deal with Wilkes, a 6-foot-8 forward from UCLA, right after the 2019 draft but he never wound up playing in the Summer League or training camp, as illness kept him unavailable to play and his contract was voided in early September.

Kris Wilkes now out of the picture. Knicks will sign forward Ivan Rabb, former Memphis player, to two-way contract.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) October 23, 2019

As for Rabb, he won’t be with the team for their season opener, per SNY’s Ian Begley, but he completes the Knicks’ roster. Like most players on two-way contracts, he will spend most of this season with the Westchester Knicks. He can be with the real Knicks for a maximum 45 days.

UPDATE: The team makes the two-way signing official.

The Knicks announce they’ve signed Ivan Rabb to a two-way contract with the @wcknicks. pic.twitter.com/5cDIftKIKZ
— The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) October 23, 2019