NBA Rumors: Players the Knicks Have Been Linked To
Brandon Jennings, Detroit Pistons
Position: Point Guard
Age: 26
Salary: $8,344,497 (Expiring)
Slash Line: .385/.250/.667
Season Averages: 19.0 MPG, 7.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 3PM
As previously alluded to, the New York Knicks need to make a significant improvement at point guard. Jose Calderon has played well since his poor start to the season, but New York needs a more athletic option who can keep opposing playmakers in front of them on defense.
According to Frank Isola of The New York Daily News, the Knicks are intrigued by the possibility of Detroit Pistons backup Brandon Jennings being that player.
"The Knicks, according to a source, have interest in several point guards including Jennings, who finally returned to the lineup after rupturing his left Achilles tendon nearly 11 months ago."
Ian Begley of ESPN New York confirmed the report.
As Isola noted, Jennings only recently returned from a ruptured left Achilles tendon. He’s entering his prime at 26 years old, but that type of injury can not only alter the way a player approaches the game, but end careers.
Assuming Jennings comes back strong, the Knicks are a prime candidate to make a run at the southpaw playmaker.
Jennings is a dynamic scoring threat who’s creative as a slasher and dangerous in transition—two areas in which the Knicks struggle most. On a per game basis, New York is currently dead last in both points in the paint and fast break points.
For those concerned about the long-term risk, note that Jennings is playing on an expiring contract.
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