The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in free agent shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. Would it be worth the risk to sign him to a lucrative contract?
The New York Knicks have a massive void at shooting guard. Whether or not Arron Afflalo accepts his player option for the 2016-17 season, the Knicks will be in the market for a playmaker who can help improve the team’s offensive proficiency.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that team president Phil Jackson reportedly has his eyes on the top free agent shooting guards.
No player has been singled out as the No. 1 target, but the best available options are clear. Some have made All-Star Game appearances, while others are starting-caliber players who can solidify the position.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks are hoping to sign an athletic shooting.
"Jackson appears to be leaning at better value in adding a pair of athletic, versatile shooting guard/swingman along the lines of DeMar DeRozan, Evan Turner, Kent Bazemore, Nicolas Batum or Bradley Beal instead of a true point guard."
DeMar DeRozan is certainly worth evaluating.
DeRozan is coming off of a season during which he averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. More significantly, he and Kyle Lowry led the Toronto Raptors to 56 wins and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.
It marked the first time in franchise history that Toronto won at least 50 games, as well as its first appearance in the Conference Finals.
All things considered, there’s no free agent who knows more about winning within the current structure of the Atlantic Division—the Knicks’ division—than DeRozan. That creates the preliminary appeal, as New York is aiming for a postseason appearance in 2017.
The question is, should the New York Knicks sign DeMar DeRozan?
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