Knicks Quietly Reunite With Proven NBA Scorer

The New York Knicks’ developmental system added a familiar and proven scoring presence this week, as the Westchester Knicks have acquired the returning rights of veteran forward T.J. Warren for the remainder of the G League season, the team announced.

Warren’s return gives Westchester a significant offensive boost entering the final stretch, while also marking another chapter in the former lottery pick’s continued effort to work his way back into NBA consideration.

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Warren Rejoins Westchester After Productive 2024 Stint

Warren, 32, spent last season with Westchester and was among the G League’s most consistent scorers. In 21 games, he averaged 23.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks while logging heavy minutes.

He shot 48.8 percent from the field, 35.6 percent from three-point range, and 85.2 percent from the free-throw line, showcasing the same shot-making ability that once made him a reliable NBA starter.

The Knicks’ developmental staff valued Warren’s professionalism and offensive versatility during that stint, and his return provides Westchester with a proven go-to scorer and veteran presence for a young roster.

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Injuries Altered a Once-Promising NBA Trajectory

Warren’s NBA career was significantly altered by a severe navicular stress fracture in his left foot suffered in December 2020, an injury that required multiple surgeries and sidelined him for nearly two full seasons.

Before the injury, Warren appeared poised for a long run as a high-level NBA scorer. During the 2019–20 season with the Indiana Pacers, he averaged 19.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals, emerging as a dependable offensive option before the injury cut his season short.

Over the past five years, however, Warren has become a journeyman, with brief stints across multiple organizations as he worked to regain consistency and health.

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Last NBA Action Came in 2024 With Timberwolves

Warren has not appeared in an NBA game since April 9, 2024, when he logged just over one minute with the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Washington Wizards.

Despite limited NBA opportunities, his G League production has remained strong, reinforcing his reputation as a player capable of generating offense at multiple levels.

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Veteran Trend: Established Players Turning to G League

Warren’s decision to return to Westchester mirrors a growing trend among veteran players using the G League as a pathway to remain visible and game-ready.

Former All-Star Victor Oladipo is currently playing for the Wisconsin Herd, while 2017 MVP finalist Isaiah Thomas has suited up for the Salt Lake City Stars.

Warren now becomes the latest established NBA scorer opting for the developmental route in hopes of earning another opportunity at the highest level.

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Knicks’ NBA Roster Limits Call-Up Path

While Warren joins the Knicks’ farm system, a promotion to the NBA roster remains unlikely in the short term.

New York recently filled its 15th roster spot with Jeremy Sochan, joining fellow midseason addition Jose Alvarado as part of the team’s push to reinforce defense and depth for the postseason.

At 22 years old, Sochan is a decade younger than Warren and fits directly into the Knicks’ emphasis on positional versatility and defensive intensity.

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Knicks’ Midseason Shift Reinforces Direction

Sochan’s arrival came amid a dramatic turnaround for New York.

After a troubling 2–9 stretch in January, the Knicks responded with a 10–2 surge heading into the All-Star break. Since Jan. 21, New York owns the NBA’s best defensive rating (101.4) and the second-best offense (119.1) and the best net rating (17.7) — metrics that underscore its emergence as a legitimate championship contender.

That resurgence followed a renewed organizational focus on defense, flexibility, and lineup adaptability — priorities that have reshaped the NBA roster even as Westchester continues to develop veteran and young talent alike.

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Warren Finds Opportunity in Familiar Setting

For Warren, returning to Westchester offers stability, opportunity, and visibility — a chance to continue doing what he has always done best: score the basketball.

While the path back to the NBA remains uncertain, his presence gives the Knicks’ G League affiliate a proven weapon and reinforces the organization’s commitment to depth at every level.

Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo