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New York Knicks: 5 Players Who Need to Be Re-Signed

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-105. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 13, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Derrick Williams (23) dunks over Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Derrick Williams (23) dunks over Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick Williams

Position: Forward

Age: 24

Pending Status: Player Option for 2016-17

Slash Line: .433/.264/.747

Season Averages: 16.9 PPG, 8.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 3PM

Current New York Knicks sixth man Derrick Williams is one of the trickiest pending free agents to manage. He has a player option worth $4.4 million for 2016-17, but it’s entirely possible that he opts out and pursues a contract with more financial security under the rising salary cap.

Williams’ statistics are what they are, but everyone who has watched him play this season has seen a player with more to offer than what New York has pulled out of him.

Williams’ per 36 averages translate to 18.8 points and 7.5 rebounds, and that’s something that will be taken into account by competing general mangers. His energy off of the bench has been refreshing, and his ability to finish in traffic borders on unique for the Knicks.

After center Robin Lopez, Williams is averaging more points in the paint per 36 minutes than any other player on New York’s roster.

That’s an important number to know considering New York is dead last in the NBA in points in the paint per game. Having a player who can create penetration and get out in transition—New York is also No. 30 in fast break points—is vital to the success of the roster.

Williams is one of three pending free agents on the active main roster who should be brought back.

Next: Mr. Reliable

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