New York Knicks: Jose Calderon wants to return

One of the most scrutinized players on the New York Knicks this season has been Jose Calderon, but that hasn’t changed his mind about whether he wants to be in New York.

“For sure, 100 percent,” Calderon said to Marc Berman of the New York Post when asked if he wanted to be back next season. “A couple of years ago, if my team needed me to do that? I’m not the one putting me in the starting position. That’s a question for coach, but, yes, 100 percent.”

The Knicks are going to be actively looking to add a point guard in free agency, but Calderon doesn’t seem opposed to being a backup next season

“It’s still Easter — not summer yet,” Calderon said to Berman. “I’ll figure it out when the season is over. There’s still a few games left, still a year left on my contract. I always say you’re one call away. You never know what’s going to happen. We’ll figure it out after the season.”

It has not been an east season for Calderon, who is averaging 7.6 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. Calderon has taken a lot of the blame as what needs to be fixed for the Knicks in the offseason.

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“I’m not happy with some people,” Calderon said, perhaps referring to some critical members of the media. “Sometimes things go better than others. You can’t be happy when you’re not doing what you’re supposed to. You’d like to play better or be in a playoff spot. It’s normal. You’re not happy with that. It’s nothing to do with the rest [of the flak].

“I’m part of this team for right now. We’re building something — from 17 wins to having a better team this year. You keep working and keep building. I can’t control what I can’t control. Right now I think I’m starting tonight for sure. I don’t know what’s going to happen next year.

The Knicks recently signed guard Tony Wroten to a multi-year deal, as he figures to be a part of the plan for next season. Wroten may not be able to play this season, but he should help at the guard position whether it be this season or next.

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“I played against him a few times,” Calderon said. “Hopefully, we can meet him soon enough. He was playing for Philly last year before the injury. I think he’s a good player. If he can help, everybody’s welcome to the team. If he can get healthy and play, it doesn’t matter if it’s this season or next.”

The Knicks would be better suited with Calderon as a backup next season, as adding a top-flight point guard might be one of the final pieces of the puzzle.

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