New York Knicks: Zach Lowe Predicts 30 Starts For Brandon Jennings

New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings is predicted to start 30 games by ESPN’s Zach Lowe.

The New York Knicks made a shrewd move in the offseason by signing point guard Brandon Jennings. The Knicks had already traded for Derrick Rose, but still struck a deal with Jennings worth $5 million for one season.

Jennings was met with a cold market on free agency as he worked his way back from an Achilles’ tear last season. He looked rusty, as he was sidelined for 11 months and never able to truly get into a groove with the Detroit Pistons. Things didn’t get easier once he was traded to the Orlando Magic, as there was a logjam at point guard.

As a result, the Knicks were able to snag him for a discount in free agency. With the type of money being thrown around, $5 million for Jennings is a steal even if he doesn’t come all the way back from his Achilles’ injury.

But, things have looked good so far through training camp and the preseason. Jennings already heard his name being chanted at Madison Square Garden, albeit during a preseason game. He has wanted to play with the Knicks since he was in the NBA, as he hoped they would select him in the 2009 NBA Draft; the Knicks instead selected Jordan Hill, while Jennings fell to No.10 to the Milwaukee Bucks.

More from New York Knicks

So playing for the Knicks has been a long time coming for Jennings. He has wanted to be here, and has expressed on his social media that he plans to stay long term despite being on a one-year deal.

If he can return to form, the Knicks would definitely entertain contract extension talks, as Rose is also a free agent at the end of the year. One player that believes Jennings will have a chance to really showcase his skills this season is ESPN’s Zach Lowe.

Over at ESPN, Lowe made a list of 30 crazy predictions for the upcoming NBA season. The Knicks and Jennings landed on that list, as Lowe predicts that Jennings will start at least 30 games this season. Here is what he had to say:

"The Jennings hype train is careening a little out of control. New York fans chanted his name during a preseason game on Monday! A preseason game! He shot just 37 percent and barely got to the rim in his first season back from an Achilles tear. He is a glaring minus at the top of any defense.So is Derrick Rose — or at least the version of Rose from most of the past four seasons. Rose hasn’t played more than 66 games since 2010-11, and he’s a much worse shooter than Jennings from distance. Jennings isn’t Steph Curry, but he’s about league-average from deep, comfortable launching off the bounce on the pick-and-roll — a must-have skill for the amped-up, non-triangular stuff coach Jeff Hornacek wants to run."

The injury concerns for Rose are legitimate, so there is a good chance that Jennings will start games at some point this season. Jennings has his injury concerns as well, so the Knicks have to hope that if both players suffer injuries, they do not occur at the same time.

There have been no discussions of the Knicks playing Rose and Jennings together, despite the lack of wing options on the roster. Courtney Lee is slated to be the starting shooting guard, but there is little depth behind him.

There is no doubt that Jennings will have a prominent role for the Knicks this upcoming season. But 30 starts sounds a bit high, and Knicks fans should hope that the actual number is lower. If Jennings starts 30 games it means one of two things; either Rose was hurt for an extended period of time or he was extremely ineffective.

Next: New York Knicks: 5 Things To Watch For During Preseason

Neither outcome is something the Knicks or their fans want to see. If the Knicks are to reach their potential this season, they will need Rose to succeed as the starting point guard.

Home/New York Knicks