NBA Rumors: Players the Knicks Have Been Linked To

Tony Wroten, Free Agent

Position: Guard

Age: 22

Salary: N/A, Free Agent

Slash Line: .338/.176/.541

Season Averages: 18.0 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.5 APG

The Philadelphia 76ers surprised the NBA community by unceremoniously cutting Tony Wroten on Christmas Eve. Wroten struggled in his return from a torn ACL, but was one of the few bright spots for Philadelphia before his injury in 2014-15.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the New York Knicks have looked into the possibility of signing the free agent combo guard.

"The Knicks are among several teams who’ve looked into the possibility of signing free agent guard Tony Wroten, league sources familiar with the team’s thinking say. The Knicks’ level of interest in Wroten, who was released by Philadelphia earlier this month, is unclear at this point. But sources say that the club has expressed interest in obtaining a guard via trade or free-agent signing in recent days."

Begley doubled down on the report in a second release.

As New York looks to solidify its backcourt, Wroten makes sense as a potential addition. He lacks an ideal jump shot, but the 22-year-old has the physical tools to be a genuine game-changer in the proper situation.

A 6’6″ slasher with a strong handle and creativity as a finisher, Wroten could help New York improve upon its No. 30 rankings in both transition scoring and points in the paint.

Next: Which available stars should the New York Knicks be targeting?

Wroten’s lackluster jump shot and defensive inconsistency are issues, but New York is well-suited to help him on both accounts. Fellow guards Arron Afflalo and Jose Calderon are revered for their respective work ethics, knowledge and shooting touch, and Derek Fisher has his team committed to playing defense.

If Wroten can tap into his limitless potential in New York, Phil Jackson will have effectively found a key missing piece for his rotation.