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New York Knicks: Free Agent PGs Who Would Fit Jeff Hornacek

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 27, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 133-111. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY.
Mar 27, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings won 133-111. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY. /
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Feb 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles against Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles against Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Rajon Rondo, UFA

Age: 30 (2/22/1986)
Slash Line: .454/.365/.580
Season Averages: 35.2 MPG, 11.9 PPG, 11.7 APG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 0.9 3PM

Had the New York Knicks intended to run the Triangle Offense as the foundation for the offense, Rajon Rondo may not have been an ideal fit. He’s not a great shooter, although his basketball IQ is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the NBA today.

A brilliant facilitator and nightly triple-double threat, Rondo could thrive as coach Jeff Hornacek’s primary playmaker.

Rondo finished 2015-16 with a league-leading 11.7 assists per game. He also pulled down 6.0 rebounds per game, and picked up 2.0 steals per contest, thus making him the ultimate transition playmaker—a player who can grab the rebound and immediately set the offense in motion.

According to NBA.com, Rondo averaged 21.5 potential assists and 27.5 points created via assists per game—both of which were the No. 1 marks in the NBA.

Rondo proved that he knows how to facilitate sharpshooting big men with Kevin Garnett —a midrange specialist—and DeMarcus Cousins —a 3-point shooter. Thus, it stands to reason that Rondo would mesh with Kristaps Porzingis.

The fact that Rondo is friends with Carmelo Anthony, and both Jeff Hornacek and Phil Jackson have the thick skin necessary to manage egos, makes the three-time assists leader worth the risk.

More knicks: What are the pros and cons of potentially hiring Jeff Hornacek?

Anthony has never been better than when he’s played with pass-first point guards, and Rondo is the perfect player to help him back to the playoffs and the upper echelon of stardom.

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