NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the New York Knicks

Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) drives against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek looks on with Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14), Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) and Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek looks on with Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14), Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) and Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Better outside shooters

New York was ranked in the bottom third of the league in terms of 3-point shooting, and that was a main factor in why they finished the season 31-51. In this day and age, most successful NBA teams are able to shoot well from the beyond the arc. Just look at the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and the Houston Rockets in recent years.

They ranked 21st in the league in terms of 3-point percentage at 34.8, and for a team that was usually trying to claw back into games, that didn’t help their chances.

Lance Thomas and Courtney Lee both shot over 40 percent from the three-point line, however nobody else on the team shot above 35 percent from beyond the arc. That is not going to get it done, also because Thomas isn’t a high volume shooter from beyond the arc. They need guys who can take and make 3s.

Luckily for the Knicks, there are a plethora of exceptional 3-point shooters who will be hitting free agency. They could target players like J.J. Redick, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will almost certainly command a lot of money. They could also target players who may be cheaper such as Kyle Korver, Bojan Bogdanovic, or attempt a reunion with Tim Hardaway Jr.