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Knicks: Free Agents Who’d Guarantee NY’s Return To Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) guards Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Thunder 106-100. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) guards Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Thunder 106-100. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) receives the Joe Dumars Trophy for sportsmanship before the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) receives the Joe Dumars Trophy for sportsmanship before the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Mike Conley, UFA

Position: Forward/Center
Age: 29 (6/3/1986)
Slash Line: .422/.363/.834
Season Averages: 31.4 MPG, 15.3 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.4 3PM

Mike Conley isn’t your typical star point guard, but he’s the ultimate glue guy. He defends his position, can play on and off-ball, creates well for himself and others, doesn’t turn the ball over, and steps up in the clutch.

If the New York Knicks sign a healthy Conley to fill the void at point guard, the postseason would be a realistic expectation.

The Memphis Grizzlies have a very solid roster, but under both Lionel Hollins and Dave Joerger, the team overachieved. Tony Allen, Conley, Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph form(ed?) a strong score, but very few expected Memphis to win 50-plus games in three consecutive seasons.

Considering Conley was the starting point guard for every one of those campaigns, including the 2013 run to the Western Conference Finals, it’s safe to say he’s a valuable asset.

New York needs a point guard who can facilitate and hold their own defensively. Conley has an All-Defensive Team nod on his resume, which checks the latter box, and posted an NBA-best assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.1 in 2015-16.

The only reason Conley is an honorable mention is because of the uncertainty surrounding his achilles injury. Otherwise, he’d be Top 5.

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