Not every key offseason acquisition will be a big name. A number of sleepers on the free agent scene could be of significant aid to the New York Knicks.
The New York Knicks are in the process of crafting a roster that can make an immediate return to the NBA Playoffs. It’s been three grueling seasons since New York appeared in the postseason, all of which have been played with Carmelo Anthony.
While the high-profile signings may steal the headlines, the Knicks have an opportunity to sign a number of low-profile players who can play invaluable roles.
None of these players will start for the Knicks, but the opportunity certainly exists for quality and necessary value to be acquired. Some players could be unsung heroes along the second unit, while others could be wonderful locker room presences.
There’s no true formula to finding a deep sleeper in free agency, but the opportunities are plentiful.
With a star quartet of Anthony, Joakim Noah, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick Rose already under contract, New York has the foundation for postseason-caliber success. Re-signing players will be a priority, but underrated veterans are on the market.
The question is, which deep sleepers should New York consider in free agency?
Next: Timely Offense
Leandro Barbosa, Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Guard
Age: 33 (11/28/1982)
Slash Line: .462/.355/.839
Season Averages: 15.9 MPG, 6.4 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 3PM
Had the Golden State Warriors won the 2016 NBA championship, one of the true heroes of the NBA Finals would’ve been Leandro Barbosa. Presented with an opportunity to shine on a big stage, The Brazilian Blur was exceptional in his limited action.
A capable 3-point shooter who still has the end-to-end speed to live up to the Brazilian Blur nickname, Barbosa could be a sneaky addition as a third or fourth guard.
The New York Knicks addressed the backcourt by trading for point guard Derrick Rose. What’s needed at guard, however, is the type of dependable depth that only an established veteran can provide.
Considering the Knicks’ backcourt is nowhere near as deep as Golden State’s, the efficient Barbosa could have a productive 2016-17 season in New York.
A career 38.8 percent shooter from beyond the arc, Barbosa can work off-ball and space the floor. He can also attack off the bounce and get out in transition, thus exploiting slower on-ball defenders in isolation, and lazy teams in transition.
On a deal that shouldn’t cost the Knicks very much against the cap, Barbosa could be a delightful signing for these postseason hopefuls.
Next: Quickness Shooting
Aaron Brooks, Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Point Guard
Age: 31 (1/14/1985)
Slash Line: .401/.357/.766
Season Averages: 16.1 MPG, 7.1 PPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 RPG, 1.0 3PM
Yes, I know—Aaron Brooks would continue the trend of former Chicago Bulls players joining the New York Knicks. If we’re going to define a player’s value to a team by where they’ve been, however, then we might as well dismiss everything else they’ve ever achieved.
Brooks finished the 2015-16 season with pedestrian averages of 7.1 points and 2.6 assists per game, but has the skill set and affordability to be a wonderful fit under head coach Jeff Hornacek.
Brooks’ season averages were what they were, but he averaged 16.0 points and 5.8 assists per 36 minutes. He converted just 40.1 percent of his field goals, but made an efficient 35.7 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
A lightning quick point guard with a solid floater and 3-point range, Brooks has the tools to be successful under coach Hornacek.
Hornacek’s system plays lead guards both on and off-ball. The priorities are driving and facilitating, yes, but the foundation for the success of the scorers includes catching a pass along the 3-point line and either shooting or attacking a closeout.
Considering Brooks has the range to shoot and the quickness to attack a closeout, it stands to reason that he could be a solid one or two-year pickup for an affordable cost.
Next: Why Not?
Roy Hibbert, Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Center
Age: 29 (12/11/1986)
Slash Line: .443/.000/.887
Season Averages: 23.2 MPG, 5.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 BPG
The New York Knicks have signed Joakim Noah to a four-year deal worth $72 million. Based solely on the monetary value of the deal, it stands to reason that New York will task Noah with anchoring the interior for years to come.
With an opportunity to sign another center to a one-year deal for an affordable price, the Knicks should consider backing Noah up with Roy Hibbert.
With all due respect to those available, the 2016 free agent market isn’t very strong. Thus, while some may accuse the Knicks of turning the clocks back a bit too far, Phil Jackson is working with the class he’s been given.
Say what you will about Hibbert’s offense, but he’s still a 7’2″ and 270-pound center who can protect the rim by merely raising his hands and shuffling his feet.
2015-16 was a rough year for Hibbert all-around, but he was Top 5 in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage as recently as 2014-15. He was No. 1 in the Association as recently as 2013-14—and there haven’t been any major injuries in between.
If Phil Jackson and Jeff Hornacek can motivate Hibbert to bust his behind on a one-year prove-it deal, he could solidify the Knicks’ defensive interior.
Next: Welcome Back
Steve Novak, Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Forward
Age: 33 (6/13/1983)
Slash Line: .444/.467/1.000
Season Averages: 4.4 MPG, 2.4 PPG, 0.7 3PM
Those who aren’t New York Knicks fans will scoff at the idea that the organization should sign Steve Novak. Those who are Knicks fans will appreciate the idea of giving Novak the veteran’s minimum.
Even if Novak never takes the court, he’s a respected voice in the locker room who knows exactly how to energize Madison Square Garden.
Throughout the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, Novak helped the Knicks reinvigorate Madison Square Garden. His perfectly timed 3-point shooting became a momentum-swinging weapon for the Knicks.
Though he was far from a star, Novak played an undeniably important role in the Knicks making the playoffs in both of those seasons.
If Novak comes back and provides 8-to-12 minutes of sharpshooting a night, the offense will be more efficient because of it. If he comes back and simply doesn’t have anything left in his 33-year-old legs, then so be it.
Novak is a fan favorite who can help bring positivity to a locker room that’s going to face an unfathomable amount of pressure in 2016-17.
Next: Prove-It Deal
Lance Stephenson, Unrestricted Free Agent
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 25 (9/5/1990)
Slash Line: .481/.385/.784
Season Averages: 19.9 MPG, 8.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.6 SPG
Lance Stephenson is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA. While it’s certainly reasonable to shy away from Stephenson for that very reason, it actually makes him a safer and more practical target in free agency.
Stephenson’s market value is low enough that the New York Knicks could sign him to a low-cost, prove-it deal and make out like bandits.
Stephenson’s team option for 2016-17 was $9.4 million, and the Memphis Grizzlies declined it. That could be received in any number of different ways, but it’s most likely a sign that Memphis believes $9.4 million is too much to spend for Stephenson.
Under a $94 million salary cap, the notion of paying Stephenson less than $9 million on a one-year deal is quite appealing.
Stephenson, 25, is New York State’s all-time leading scorer in high school basketball. Thus, it stands to reason that, as he weighs short-term options, he’d be most receptive to playing for a New York team.
For what it’s worth, in 26 games with the Memphis Grizzlies, Stephenson averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 26.6 minutes on a slash line of .474/.355/.815.
That’s good for per 36 averages of 19.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists—dream-like production from a sixth man.
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If anyone can reach Stephenson and help him become the player he’s capable of becoming, it’s Phil Jackson.