New York Knicks: Finding hope within the roster
By Bryce Olin
The Guards
As I just identified some major weaknesses along the frontline for the Knicks, the guard spots doesn’t get much better. I like all of the Knicks’ guards, but I just don’t see how they fit together. Other than Tim Hardaway Jr., who’s probably more of a wing anyway, none of the Knicks’ guards have any chance of actually guarding any point guards in the league. If the Knicks’ bigs suck at defense (except for Dalembert) and the Knicks’ guards suck at defense, who’s going to be a be able to guard anyone? Remember, J.R. Smith and Carmelo Anthony play on the team too…
It’s not all bad, though, the Knicks guards aren’t that bad.
Jose Calderon
| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 81 | 30.5 | 4.2 | 9.2 | .456 | .449 | 2.4 | 4.7 | 0.9 | 11.4 |
| Career | 634 | 28.8 | 3.9 | 8.2 | .479 | .411 | 2.5 | 6.8 | 0.9 | 10.2 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/12/2014.
Fresh off a decent performance with the Spanish national team in the FIBA World Cup, Calderon has a lot to offer to the Knicks. First of all, he’s a much better player than Raymond Felton. Regardless of Calderon’s defensive limitations, at least he’s not 20-30 pounds overweight and suspended for the beginning of the season.
In 30.5 minutes per game last season, Calderon averaged 11.4 PPG and shot 45 percent from three-point range. He’s a great shooter and a great player to have around Anthony to beat double-teams. Calderon should start for the Knicks and play above 30 minutes per game. So far through this Knicks’ roster breakdown, Calderon is the first player I’ve actually been excited to see on the Knicks next season. Other than Jason Smith’s dance moves, of course.
Shane Larkin
| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 48 | 10.2 | 1.1 | 2.9 | .380 | .316 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 2.8 |
| Career | 48 | 10.2 | 1.1 | 2.9 | .380 | .316 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 2.8 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/12/2014.
In a limited sample size, I’ve been impressed with Larkin. Like Blazers’ rookie C.J. McCollum, Larkin missed the beginning of the season after he broke his ankle during summer workouts. I don’t know how much more Larkin would have played for the Dallas Mavericks had he made it through the entire offseason, but you have to think Larkin would have been further along in his development by the time he saw the court for the first time.
Ultimately, time will tell whether Larkin has what it takes to make it in the NBA, but he’s a quick, athletic guard with a balanced offensive game. He’s probably a little undersized for the position, but guys like Ty Lawson, Isaiah Thomas, and Nate Robinson have all made good careers for themselves in the NBA while being undersized point guards. There’s a lot to like about Larkin.
Pablo Prigioni
| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 66 | 19.4 | 1.3 | 2.9 | .461 | .464 | 2.0 | 3.5 | 1.0 | 3.8 |
| Career | 144 | 17.7 | 1.3 | 2.9 | .457 | .431 | 1.9 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 3.7 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/12/2014.
This may be the end of the road for Prigioni. The 37-year-old Argentinian might still be able to play, but there’s limited minutes to spread around. It all depends on whether Larkin can hold his own as the backup point guard behind Calderon. Prigioni should be able to fill-in at times, though. He’s not a great defender, but he’s crafty and he can use his length to bother smaller guards. Plus, he can still pass (3.5 assists per game last season) and shoot threes (46 percent last season).
Wow, I just convinced myself Priogioni can still play. After everything I saw last season, I can’t believe I just typed that sentence.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
| Season | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 81 | 23.1 | 3.6 | 8.5 | .428 | .363 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 10.2 |
| Career | 81 | 23.1 | 3.6 | 8.5 | .428 | .363 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 10.2 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 9/12/2014.
Maybe I’m dreaming, but I really like the possible backcourt combination of Larkin and Hardaway Jr. You know what? I think Fisher and Jackson do too.
Like Kobe Bryant and Fisher rising through the ranks together with the Lakers, Larkin and Hardaway could become a poor man’s version of the Fisher-Bryant backcourt duo. Obviously, I don’t think Hardaway is the next Kobe, but it’s possible Larkin could be better than Fisher.
Hardaway was my favorite rookie from the 2013 draft class, except for the “Olynyk Klynyk” of course. In a wildly dysfunctional situation, Hardaway shot 36 percent from three-point range and averaged 10.2 PPG in only 23.1 minutes. On top of that, his air guitar celebration became one of the most annoying cheering routines in all of sports. By the end of the season, with the Knicks fully stuck in suck mode, it became kind of funny and ironic.
Offensively, I like the Knicks guards heading into next season, and I especially like the future backcourt combination of Larkin and Hardaway, Jackson’s next Derek and Kobe.