Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Knicks Midseason Grades By Position: Point Guard

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek and guard Derrick Rose (25) look on during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek and guard Derrick Rose (25) look on during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Baker has not received many minutes his rookie season. But when he has, he has made the most of them. Baker’s numbers are a little skewed because he had been playing in only blowouts prior to this week, but he has played well when his number was called. Jeff Hornacek likes Baker because he reminds him of himself when he first began his NBA career. Baker is a hard working player and has worked his way not only into the rotation but into the starting lineup; he has started the last three games for the Knicks. Baker was an integral part of the Knicks come from behind win against the Milwaukee Bucks two weeks ago. He plays with a level head and runs the offense under control, getting the ball where it needs to be. On the season the Knicks are +5.6 in net rating when he plays, a pretty solid number despite only receiving 215 minutes thus far this season. He has earned a chance at consistent playing time and usually provides a spark for the Knicks when he is on the court. Unlike the other point guards, Baker is actually a strong defender. He has played a majority of his minutes at shooting guard, registering a Defensive RPM of +0.50, which ranks 12th out of 98. As long as he continues to bring the effort on defense, Hornacek will continue giving him minutes as that is the biggest area of concern for the Knicks currently.
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

B+. . Point Guard. New York Knicks. BRANDON JENNINGS

Brandon Jennings looked like a steal for the Knicks during the offseason and has proven that in the regular season. He has proven to be a solid addition to the Knicks bench, giving them a solid option to turn to whenever Derrick Rose is unable to play.

Whenever the Knicks are making a big run, Jennings seems to always be a part of it. His energy and tenaciousness make him a crowd favorite as he jumpstarts the team whenever he is on the court. He has been excellent initiating the offense, as he averages 4.9 assists in only 23.5 minutes per game.

But, the same problems that plagued Jennings previously in his career offensively still occur in New York. Jennings is not efficient, as he is shooting only 39.2 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from long range. He is actually having one of the best seasons of his career inside the arc, making 44.9 percent; it is from long range where he has fallen short.

Like Rose, Jennings struggles mightily defensively. He ranks 81st in Defensive RPM with -2.64, but offensively he is much better at -0.22, which ties for 31st.

If Jennings could get to his career average from deep, it would help immensely. Currently, Jennings is a negative for the Knicks on the court; they are better offensively and defensively in rating when he is off the court. The Knicks net rating with him on the court is -5.2 and only -1.0 with him off.

The advanced stats aren’t pretty for Jennings, but he seems to be the only player at times that holds others accountable and cares about the name on the front of the jersey.

Home/New York Knicks