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New York Knicks: Player Options To Keep An Eye On

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) backs down Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 105-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles past Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the Raptors 89-84 win in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles past Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) during the Raptors 89-84 win in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

Position: Shooting Guard
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

The Toronto Raptors have won three consecutive division titles behind the star-caliber guard combination of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. Their postseason success has been lackluster, but for the New York Knicks, all that matters is that the opportunity exists to damage the best team in the division.

I wouldn’t advise any other team to consider giving DeRozan more than $20 million per season, but his skill set is tailor made for the Triangle Offense.

DeRozan is an explosively athletic slasher who’s proficient from midrange and lethal around the rim. He’s far from Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan fundamentally, but it stands to reason that the Triangle Offense could help the 26-year-old tap into his immense potential.

Playing alongside two other players, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, who can create their own offense wouldn’t hurt, either.

DeRozan broke out during the 2015-16 regular season by leading the NBA in points via drives per game and ranking No. 3 in free throw attempts per contest. He still has a baffling tendency to settle for long contested 2s, but he’s done a much better job of attacking the rim and drawing contact.

If any system can unveil DeRozan’s otherworldly potential as an explosive near 6’7″ shooting guard with a 6’9″ wingspan and tantalizing finishing ability, it’s the Triangle Offense.

Next: The Perfect Mentor

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