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Knicks: Who will start at PG?

By Paul Fagan

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During the upcoming offseason, the New York front office will have to choose who the starting point guard will be next season. There are several options but they’re pretty limited. The Knicks could fill the void through either the draft or free agency. Here’s a comprehensive list of players; it’s very likely at least one of them will be on the team next year.

Jose Calderon (New York Knicks)  

Feb 1, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon (3) dribbles the ball around Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 92-70. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

The Jose Calderon experiment has gone terribly wrong. The Tyson Chandler trade last summer now seems as bad as ever, especially considering it’s likely the Knicks could have swapped him for Reggie Jackson and Kendrick Perkins around there deadline. The thirty-three year old spaniard is averaging  nearly 9 points and 5 assists per game in 30 minutes as per Basketball-Reference.com. His numbers are in decline from past seasons and he is owed nearly $15million dollars over the next two years which greatly impacts the cap room. The Knicks need to get rid of him this summer as he’s unfortunately proved he isn’t capable of the running the team.

Emmanuel Mudiay ( Guangdong Southern Tigers, China) 

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Emmanuel Mudiay is one the most intriguing prospects in the draft and is a strong contender for the first pick. He’s got as high an upside as anybody, probably even the highest. Most scouts view him as the most athletic player this year with potential to reach John Wall’s level of playing. He played in just 10 games this year averaging nearly 15 points, 5 boards and 5 dishes per game in the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association). Despite theses many qualities, he’s an average shooter at best from mid-range and above. He’s also a poor free throw shooter. The Knicks need to decide wether or not they think a 19 year old can run the offense next year.

D’Angelo Russel (Ohio State) 

Russell is a vastly different player than Emmanuel Mudiay even though he’s about the same age. He decided to play in college not abroad (Ohio State). Russell can change the course of a basketball game through clutch scoring and passing. He is more polished than Mudiay offensively but lacks much his athleticism and defensive potential. Ultimately, it’s all about the type of point guard Phil wants. Russell probably has a lower ceiling even though he’s a lights out shooter from range which would take pressure of Carmelo in terms of outside scoring.

Goran Dragic (Miami Heat) 

Mar 4, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks almost got him at the deadline but were reluctant to add a future first rounder to the Calderon-Hardaway package. According to reports the Knicks are very fond of him which is understandable. He’s a terrific scorer from all over the floor and would likely complement Anthony well. He’s a true star who won the most improved player award last year.

Brandon Knight (Phoenix Suns)

Mar 2, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) dribbles the ball past Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Knight is thought to be kept by the Suns this off-season, who gave up a lot to get him at the deadline. If he end’s up joining another team, it might be the Knicks. He’s having a terrific season, nearly all-star like. It’s unclear if he’s a better fit than Dragic. This would likely be a 10-14million per year deal.

Rajon Rondo (Dallas Mavericks)

Feb 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle (L) talks to guard Rajon Rondo (9) against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

For while now, Rondo has been on the Knicks radar. It seemed he would stay put this summer but his recent feud with coach Rick Carlisle could suggest otherwise. He’d likely come at 11 to 15 million dollars a year. Despite his high level of play, his poor shooting would not make him an ideal fit for the triangle.

Reggie Jackson (Detroit Pistons)

Feb 28, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) dribbles as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks on during the second half at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 99 – 95. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

According to reports, the Knicks were interested in Jackson at the deadline but lacked here again, did not want to trade Hardaway and a first rounder for him. It’s likely the Knicks could have done something with Shumpert had they held on to him. We’re looking at just under 10 million a year for Jackson.

Let us know who you think the Knicks should sign this summer in the comment section down below.

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