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New York Knicks: Reasons To Love The Ron Baker Signing

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Ron Baker (31) high-fives a fan after a victory over the Arizona Wildcats in a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Wichita State won 65-55. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Ron Baker (31) high-fives a fan after a victory over the Arizona Wildcats in a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Wichita State won 65-55. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks signed undrafted free agent Ron Baker to a partially guaranteed contract. New York should invest in his future.

Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Ron Baker (31) high-fives a fan after a victory over the Arizona Wildcats in a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Wichita State won 65-55. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Ron Baker (31) high-fives a fan after a victory over the Arizona Wildcats in a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Wichita State won 65-55. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks were expected to find a way into the 2016 NBA Draft. Phil Jackson acquired at least two additional draft pick at both the 2014 and 2015 NBA Drafts, and many expected him to do the same this past year.

While he may not have acquired an actual selection, Jackson acted hastily by acquiring undrafted free agent shooting guard Ron Baker.

Less than an hour removed from the 2016 NBA Draft, Phil Jackson agreed to terms with Baker on a one-year deal. It was officially announced on August 1.

Baker spent four seasons playing for Gregg Marshall and the Wichita State Shockers. He was named First Team All-MVC on three different occasions—2014, 2015, and 2016—and was an AP honorable mention for the All-American teams in 2015.

Wichita State made the NCAA Tournament in all four of Baker’s seasons, reaching the Elite Eight in 2013 and the Sweet 16 in 2015.

In the NBA, Baker will have an opportunity to earn a main roster spot. He’s been one of the Knicks’ few bright spots at Summer League, but on a partially guaranteed deal, there’s no assurance that he’ll make the main roster.

Though his contract may only be partially guaranteed, it’d behoove the Knicks to explore Baker’s potential during the 2016-17 season.

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