Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Knicks: Five Point Guard Targets For Trade Deadline

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
New York Knicks: Five Point Guard Targets For Trade Deadline
Nov 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tony Wroten (1) before action against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center. The Cavaliers won 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Wroten, Free Agent

The biggest issue with the Knicks point guards presently is that they do not create enough. Jose Calderon doesn’t break down defenses, putting very little pressure on the Knicks’ opponents defensively. He can knock down a three-pointer, but you do not have to worry about him getting to the rim very often. Defensively, his problems are well documented as the Knicks struggle slowing down opponents on the perimeter.

Wroten could help alleviate both problems. The 6-feet-6 inch guard has experience at both point guard and shooting guard, and has the size to compete in the NBA. He is extremely talented, but does not play a very efficient brand of basketball. His best skill offensively is attacking the rim though, which is something the Knicks desperately need. He struggles with his jump shot, but takes more than half of his shots within three-feet of the basket; unfortunately he finishes only 55.5 percent of those shots because he struggles to finish with his off hand.

While Wroten can get his own shot with ease, he has also improved setting up his teammates. As the starting point guard, Wroten handed out 6.3 assists per game with the Philadelphia 76ers, so there is some playmaking ability there if given the chance. But, like his shot making, Wroten has some shortcomings as he will sometimes try and force the issue when passing and creating for his teammates.

His size will also help the Knicks defensively, if they can get him to buy into the team concept. He likes to gamble, which pays off sometimes as his steal rate of 2.7 was a career-high. But, if he doesn’t get the steal, it will throw off the team defense and leave opponents with easy chances. If the Knicks could get him to cut down the gambling, he could be turned into a solid defender against both guard spots.

With an open roster spot, the Knicks could have Wroten on the team tomorrow if they so desire. There had been rumors about him wanting to play with the Knicks, but thus far the feeling has not seemed mutual.

Next: Another Trade Option

Home/New York Knicks