Over the past few years, the New York Knicks have consistently used their G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, as a strategic extension of their roster, stockpiling experienced veterans who could be called upon if needed.
Last season, that approach paid off with both Matt Ryan and Landry Shamet spending time in Westchester before eventually earning spots on the Knicks’ NBA roster. Shamet, in particular, remains with the organization today.
Another veteran presence on last year’s Westchester roster was forward T.J. Warren. While he never received an NBA call-up during that stint, he has now rejoined the organization for another opportunity to work his way back into contention.
New York Knicks Bring Back Veteran Scorer for Another Opportunity
Warren, 32, appeared in 36 games for Westchester last season, averaging an impressive 23.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per contest.
He shot 48.8% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range during that stretch, reinforcing his reputation as a proven offensive weapon capable of contributing at a high level.
Although his last appearance came in March 2025, the Knicks retained his returning player rights, allowing them to bring him back without competition from other G League teams.
After being re-acquired on February 16, Warren made his season debut on Thursday as he works his way back into game condition.
In a 124-112 win over the Capital City Go-Go, the veteran forward scored 13 points in 20 minutes off the bench.
He shot an efficient 6-of-9 from the field, knocked down one three-pointer, and added two rebounds, three assists, and three steals, flashing the well-rounded offensive and defensive instincts that once made him a highly sought-after NBA option.
In the same contest, NBA assignee Pacome Dadiet continued his strong G League form with a team-high 20 points, including three made three-pointers.
Two-way guard Dillon Jones also impressed, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block while posting a team-best plus-18 rating.
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Two-way player Kevin McCullar Jr. added 16 points, four rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block, helping Westchester secure its third consecutive victory. Despite the recent surge, the team currently sits at 9-15, just outside the playoff picture.
Still, much of the attention centered on Warren’s long-awaited return.
Since being selected 14th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Warren has appeared in 385 NBA games, averaging 14.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and just under one steal per game while shooting an efficient 50.5% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range.
His most recent NBA stint came with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2023-24 season, where he averaged 3.7 points and two rebounds in limited minutes across 11 appearances. His last NBA game came in April 2024.
A navicular stress fracture suffered in December 2020 significantly altered the trajectory of his career, limiting him to just four games in the 2020-21 season and sidelining him entirely for the 2021-22 campaign.
Even so, Warren’s strong G League production last season and encouraging return suggest he remains capable of filling a bench scoring role at the NBA level.
Because he is currently on a standard G League contract, Warren is not tied exclusively to the Knicks. If his strong play continues, he will be eligible to sign with any NBA team on a 10-day or standard contract.
For now, his return gives the New York Knicks a familiar and proven scoring option within their developmental system, while offering Warren another chance to prove that his NBA career still has another chapter left to be written.
Knicks Quietly Re-Add Veteran Scorer to Development Pipeline