New York Knicks Signing Guard Tony Wroten

The New York Knicks have filled the last spot on their roster, agreeing to a contract with free agent guard Tony Wroten.

The New York Knicks were unable to land the point guard they coveted at the NBA Trade Deadline a couple of weeks ago. They instead signed Jimmer Fredette from their NBA D-League affiliate, but he only lasted one 10-day contract. The Knicks will dip back into the free agent market now, as sources indicate that the Knicks and free agent guard Tony Wroten are close to finalizing a contract.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, a deal is supposed to come together between Wroten and the Knicks later this week, and it will be of the multi-year variety. It is expected to be a two-year deal worth the league minimum, with a partially guaranteed 2016-17 salary. It is a smart move for the Knicks to make, as the non-guaranteed 2016-17 salary will give them some extra time to evaluate Wroten and if he is someone worth keeping on the roster.

It is worthwhile for the Knicks because Wroten is still working his way back from a partially torn right-ACL that he suffered in February of 2015. He was able to play eight games with the 76ers in December, but the stats were not pretty as he averaged only 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.6 turnovers in 18 minutes per game. Giving him a partially guaranteed deal for next season, the Knicks can monitor his progress and rehab to see if he is worth keeping around.

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In addition to the extended audition that he would be receiving, the Knicks would obtain Wroten’s Early Bird Rights with the current deal being worked out. There would also be no pressure to rush Wroten back onto the court if he is not yet strong enough or ready to play at an NBA level.

There is some talent there that should be intriguing to the Knicks, as Wroten was having a strong 2014-15 season before tearing his ACL. He was averaging 16.9 points, 5.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 29.8 minutes per game. While the scoring was inefficient at times, Wroten was essentially learning a new position as the starting point guard for the 76ers instead of a scoring two-guard.

The 22-year old Wroten is extremely athletic and would help the Knicks in a multitude of ways. Standing 6-feet-6 inches tall, Wroten has the size to play shooting guard and skill set to also play point guard. His attacking style is something the Knicks could desperately use; they rank in the bottom third of the NBA in drives per game and points off drives.

Wroten attacks the basket relentlessly, as he has attempted 54.8 percent of his shots at the rim. Improving his finishing ability with his off-hand would greatly improve his efficiency, but the fact he attacks the basket so much is a positive sign. It is something that the Knicks do not do enough of currently.

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There are some discrepancies as to when Wroten will join the team, as his health is in question. But, whenever he does he will bring energy and much needed youth and athleticism to the Knicks roster. If he cracks the rotation, it will probably come at the expense of Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway, even though they should all be receiving playing time over veterans such as Jose Calderon, Arron Afflalo and Sasha Vujacic so the Knicks can evaluate them for the future.

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