Recently, Caron Butler expressed interest in joining the New York Knicks. Should Phil Jackson consider signing the 14-year veteran?
Another day, another veteran way past their prime wants to play for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Whether it’s 41-year-old Ray Allen, 38-year-old Stephen Jackson or now 36-year-old Caron Butler, per SNY’s Anthony Donohue, the veterans who can only play about 10-12 minutes per game look at the Knicks and feel they’re able to add leadership to the team.
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While the leadership aspect maybe true, the Knicks acquired two starters with injury concerns in center Joakim Noah and guard Derrick Rose. Star forward Carmelo Anthony continues his quest for gold in Rio at the Olympics. The extra time playing basketball could factor into fatigue as he enters his 14th NBA season.
With durability concerns and a potentially fatigued Anthony in the first few months, why should the Knicks consider talents in their late 30s and early 40s?
If Anthony sits atop of the food chain as the veteran who provides leadership why the emphasis on signing someone who brings the same quality without the ability to fill in for players who may potentially miss time on the court?
The argument about adding a player with a championship pedigree seems to suffice as good reasoning for adding Allen, Jackson or Butler. However, the Knicks didn’t assemble a young team. Forward Kristaps Porzingis fits the category as a player who needs to develop but that’s about it.
The Knicks signed Rose, Noah, Courtney Lee and Brandon Jennings. They played a combined 31 years in the league. None of the previously mentioned players have rings to show in the locker room, but they’ve all played on playoff teams in the past.
If Noah, Rose or Jennings struggle with injuries, will older veterans step into prominent roles requiring 20 solid minutes? Absolutely not.
Jackson and Allen haven’t played since the 2013-14 season. The ability to put up shots in the gym and run a fullcourt in light pick up games differs from a regular season on the grind for at least seven months. Last year, Butler averaged 10.4 minutes per game in 17 court appearances for the Sacramento Kings.
With all due respect, what can these veteran players add to the roster besides stories about their glory days on a championship team?
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If the Knicks need veterans with championship experience who don’t necessarily need to play significant minutes, why didn’t the Knicks consider Jason Terry before the Milwaukee Bucks engaged in advanced talks with him? Terry averaged 17.5 minutes and 1.3 three-pointers per game with the Houston Rockets last year.
With a new veteran nucleus in place, the Knicks need able bodies to fill the gaps and compensate for potential injuries. Lance Stephenson still lingers on the free-agent market, and he’s capable of playing as a sixth man off the bench or a starter in short stints.