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

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) reacts to taunts by the Dallas Mavericks fans during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) reacts to taunts by the Dallas Mavericks fans during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) celebrates with guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) following the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 116-114 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) celebrates with guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) following the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 116-114 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

6. D.J. Augustin, Denver Nuggets

Position: Point Guard

Age: 28

Slash Line: .418/.417/.816

Season Averages: 18.5 MPG, 7.5 PPG, 2.9 APG, 1.5 RPG, 1.1 3PM

D.J. Augustin is the type of point guard who thrives with the ball in his hands. His quickness is an asset in running the pick-and-roll, his speed in the open court instantly improves a team’s transition offense, and his jump shot must be respected by all opponents.

Since joining the Denver Nuggets, Augustin has begun to look like the lethal contributor the NBA was beginning to recognize him as in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

In 18 games with the Nuggets, Augustin is averaging 12.7 points and 4.7 assists in 24.5 minutes of action per game. He’s doing so on a slash line of .447/.437/.844, which isn’t too far removed from what he was providing teams with in recent seasons.

He averaged 14.9 points and 5.0 assists on a slash line of .419/.411/.882 in 2013-14, and posted 10.6 points and 4.9 assists in 23.8 minutes on marks of .410/.327/.870 before he was traded in 2014-15.

If Augustin can provide a similar impact for the Knicks in 2016-17, New York can get back to the playoffs. Augustin has already played in 28 playoff games, including his critical role in the Chicago Bulls’ postseason appearance in 2013-14, and has the pick-and-roll proficiency New York’s backcourt currently lacks.

Augustin would only be a short-term fix as a starter, but he could be the perfect placeholder for Jerian Grant. Once Grant takes over, Augustin could settle into the role of sixth man.

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