New York Knicks: What the veterans need to do to stay in 2020-21

Wayne Ellington

Wayne Ellington’s signing did not make much sense at all. The Knicks had just drafted phenom RJ Barrett. Additionally, they had two other young shooting guards in Damyean Dotson and Allonzo Trier, both of whom had shown they can be useful contributors. Nevertheless, NYK signed Ellington to a two-year, $16M deal, as they felt the roster needed more shooters.

When Ellington has gotten his chance, he hasn’t contributed in the way the Knicks had hoped. That’s cost him a regular slot in coach Mike Miller‘s rotation. He is shooting just as well from the field as he is from three, 35.8 percent.

The Pennsylvania native doesn’t offer much other offensive help. He hasn’t shown playmaking ability and barely drives to the rim. Additionally, his defense is extremely poor. So when Ellington isn’t shooting well, he doesn’t bring much to the table.

New York already has other shooting guards under the age of 25. At 32-years-old, Ellington takes away time for players such as Dotson and Trier to develop. He hasn’t publicly complained about his role and is one of the most experienced players on the roster, plus he is capable of getting very hot in a hurry. Even if he were to end this season on fire, there doesn’t seem to be much of a chance Ellington can do enough to be invited back next season.