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New York Knicks: Top 10 Free Agent Shooting Guards

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) controls the ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) tries to defend during the second quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) controls the ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) tries to defend during the second quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket past New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23) and Jerian Grant (13) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives to the basket past New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23) and Jerian Grant (13) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

2. DeMar DeRozan, UFA

2015-16 Team: Toronto Raptors

Age: 26

Slash Line: .446/.338/.850

Season Averages: 35.9 MPG, 23.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 3PM

Few players have improved as much over the past few years as Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. He was the leading scorer for a Raptors team that won a franchise-record 56 games in 2015-16, transforming his game into that of a far more efficient player than he used to be.

DeRozan still has a tendency to fall in love with his midrange jumper, but everything he does on offense is the name of the game in the Triangle Offense.

DeRozan is one of the NBA’s most prolific slashers, ranking No. 1 in points via drives per game and No. 3 in free throw attempts in 2015-16. His midrange jump shot is nowhere near as efficient as it needs to be, but it’s enough of a strength to keep opposing defenses honest.

If any system can shine a light on those old school abilities—and seriously, why are those old school abilities?—it’s the Triangle Offense.

DeRozan has improved his 3-point jump shot, going from 28.4 percent in 2014-15 to 33.8 percent in 2015-16. He still attempts a low volume of shots from beyond the arc, converting just 47 of his 139 attempts this past season, but he’s an elite free throw shooter at 85.0 percent on 8.4 trips to the line per game.

DeRozan’s postseason struggles in 2016 are concerning, but if the Knicks are looking to make an impact signing with long-term potential, very few would be better than this.

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