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

3. Nicolas Batum, Charlotte Hornets

Position: Guard/Forward

Age: 27

Slash Line: .424/.351/.844

Season Averages: 35.8 MPG, 15.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.0 3PM

The Charlotte Hornets play home to multiple guards whom the New York Knicks should consider, as this article displays. The most intriguing of options is 27-year-old swingman Nicolas Batum.

Batum hasn’t become the star that many projected him to be, but he’s one of the most complete players you’ll find along the perimeter.

The New York Knicks don’t necessarily needs stars in the backcourt, but instead a combination that consists of defensive consistency and offensive stability. Batum provides just that as a positionally versatile defender with the athleticism to match up against point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards.

Batum is also a solid shooter from 3-point range, and one of the better non-point guard facilitators in the NBA.

In New York, Batum would be able to thrive alongside former Portland Trail Blazers teammate and current Knicks starting center Robin Lopez. That bond could work well for New York as far as recruiting goes, although it’s far from a guarantee that he’ll sign with the Knicks.

Batum may be overpriced by the time summer rolls around, but if he can be had for a reasonable cost, Phil Jackson should make him the Knicks’ next starting shooting guard.

Next: Can He Stay Healthy?