Knicks: Pending Free Agents to Monitor Until Season’s End

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Mar 23, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Rajon Rondo, Sacramento Kings

Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

Slash Line: .450/.348/.576

Season Averages: 35.4 MPG, 11.9 PPG, 11.7 APG, 6.1 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.8 3PM

Rajon Rondo has reestablished himself as the single most dominant facilitating force in the NBA. He’s a mile ahead of the pack in assists per game, and barring an unforeseen turn of events, he’ll become a three-time assists leader.

The multi-million dollar question: can Rondo flourish in the Triangle Offense?

Rondo has carved out a decorated career with brilliant court vision, dynamic creativity as a passer, and an unspeakably high basketball IQ. The latter piece of information suggests that he’s tailor made for the Triangle Offense, which depends entirely on players who understand the game.

The hurdle: the Triangle Offense also preaches team-wide ball movement and requires point guards to have a consistent corner 3.

Rondo has improved his jump shot, and while constant ball movement may sound like it’s right up the league’s assist leader’s alley, it’t not. Rondo is a ball-dominant playmaker who can make every team he plays for better, but isn’t of much use when placed in an off-ball capacity—his 2014-15 tenure with the Dallas Mavericks proved as much.

Nevertheless, Rondo’s friendship with Carmelo Anthony, as well as his publicly stating that he believes he can thrive in the Triangle Offense, will keep him relevant along the Knicks’ rumor mill.

More knicks: Who must the New York Knicks re-sign in 2016 to properly build a winning culture?

The question is, will Phil Jackson see enough from Rondo between now and season’s end to make the four-time All-Star a genuine target in free agency?

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