New York Knicks Grades For First Quarter Of Season
Shooting Guard
Jan 2, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Iman Shumpert (21) celebrates a score with J.R. Smith (right) during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. The Knicks won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
. . IMAN SHUMPERT. B. Iman Shumpert started the season out hot offensively, but has cooled off considerably since injuring his hip, shooting over 40 percent just twice in nine games. You can tell his confidence is lacking, as he is beginning to turn down shots much like he did last season under <strong><a href=
J.R. Smith has been outspoken about the schemes Fisher has employed, and his play has reflected the confusion he expressed. He has struggled at both ends of the court, and looks lost even at times. His jump shot is not falling, and when he isn’t playing well offensively, if affects his defense. He is most likely the first person <strong><a href=. . . J.R. SMITH. D
C. Tim Hardaway Jr. has struggled mightily this season, as some combination of a sophomore slump and not grasping the new schemes is sapping him of his confidence. His numbers are down across the board from his rookie season, as Hardaway Jr. just can’t get it going. His defense is still lacking, keeping him on the bench more this season than he ever experienced last season. He looks to be coming out of his shooting slump a little recently, and if he can continue scoring the ball Fisher will play him. If he just improves his defense he would be a shoe in for a starting spot and nearly 30 minutes a game.. . . TIM HARDAWAY JR.
This is arguably the biggest disappointment this season for the Knicks thus far. This trio has a lot of potential to succeed, but hasn’t been able to put it all together yet. If there was a way to fuse Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr. together you would have a seriously talented shooting guard. Alas, that kind of stuff can only happen in Dragon Ball Z, so until that kind of technology is available in the real world, Knicks fans will have to deal with the inconsistencies that don’t look to be going away any time soon. If a team comes calling about any of the three, especially J.R. Smith, don’t expect the Knicks to rebuff those talks.