New York Knicks: Will UDFAs Ron Baker, Marshall Plumlee Bolster Bench?

The New York Knicks signed guard Ron Baker and center Marshall Plumlee after the draft. Will either undrafted free agent crack the playing rotation?

The New York Knicks didn’t have a draft pick but inked a few deals with undrafted free agents, Ron Baker and Marshall Plumlee, per Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania of The Vertical:

Baker played two seasons with forward Cleanthony Early between 2012-14 at Wichita State. In the last two seasons, the 6’4”, 210-pound guard led the team in points per game. He’s played in the NCAA Tournament in all four years at the school.

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The decision to immediately sign Baker makes sense. With Langston Galloway as the only other capable point guard behind Derrick Rose, the Knicks certainly need a battle-tested player at the position.

Does Baker offer enough on the court to break into the rotation?

In short, he’s a low-scale two-way player, who can soak up significant minutes off the bench, which isn’t a criticism. According to Draft Express video analyst Mike Schmitz, he’s not athletic but shows a “feel for the game.”

It’s appropriate to place Baker in the same category as Denver Nuggets shooting guard Gary Harris. He’s unable to create his own shot on a consistent basis but excels as a catch-and-shoot option with decent on- and off-ball defense.

Baker lacks athleticism, which puts a ceiling on his potential to become a starter. However, he’s a tenacious defender, which speaks to what head coach Jeff Hornacek values in his guards on the perimeter.

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The Wichita State product won’t see much time behind Galloway in the upcoming season, but he could hang around as a developmental prospect with upside.

Baker has the potential to carve out a niche as a role player in the following season.

As for Plumlee, who also has a career as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and the National Guard, he brings beneficial intangibles to the roster.

Furthermore, he only needs to look at his two brothers, Miles and Mason, who’ve also become niche players for the Milwaukee Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers.

Like his older brothers, the youngest Plumlee isn’t likely to dominate in the middle, but the Knicks need big bodies that can move and outmuscle opponents in the paint. The Duke product averaged 8.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game during his senior season.

At the moment, Kristaps Porzingis projects as the best center on the Knicks’ roster, which isn’t an ideal situation on a consistent basis due to his ability to stretch the floor. Team president Phil Jackson weighed in on his plans for the Knicks’ rising star, per ESPN’s Ian Begley:

New York will head to the negotiating table to sign a veteran center during free agency, but the Knicks still need a backup or rotational player.

Plumlee’s ability to defend the paint and his developing short jumper fit the billing.

As a 33-year-old free agent, Lou Amundson’s time in New York should come to an end. Plumlee can compete for a niche role in the upcoming season.

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For Baker and Plumlee, summer development will factor into potential roles. The Knicks’ player personnel payroll looks bare at the moment, which bodes well for raw talents learning on the job.

However, the front office has already expressed interest in re-signing Galloway, which creates more competition for Baker unless he moves to 2-guard, per New York Daily News reporter Frank Isola:

At 6’4”, Baker lacks the ideal size to defend shooting guards regularly.

If the Knicks sign Joakim Noah or Dwight Howard, two players who’ve recently dealt with injuries, Plumlee can still find a spot at the end of the bench. He’s not going to contribute a double-double every night, but it’s never a bad idea to add a high-character player with defensive prowess to handle scoring centers at the rim.