Daily Knicks
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Feb 9, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Ron Baker (31) gestures from the court against the Drake Bulldogs during the first half at Knapp Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Ron Baker (31) gestures from the court against the Drake Bulldogs during the first half at Knapp Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Upside: Combo Guard

There’s a very legitimate possibility that the New York Knicks will be able to develop Ron Baker into a true combo guard. He’s a capable ball-handler and excellent passer who’s shown the ability to recognize defenses.

If Jeff Hornacek, a former combo guard himself, can help Baker improve as a facilitator, the Knicks could add an entirely new element to the offense.

Baker finished the 2015-16 season with averages of 3.2 assists and 1.5 turnovers per game. That translates to an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.10, which is quite efficient given the fact that he was a prominent scorer.

Based solely on an evaluation of the system that coach Hornacek ran with the Phoenix Suns, Baker’s offensive versatility would make him a proper fit in New York.

In Phoenix, Hornacek helped combo guards Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic enter the star discussion. He capitalized on their respective abilities to shoot with efficiency, and put them in positions to attack closeouts and utilize screens for easier facilitating opportunities.

If Baker is awarded that same luxury with the Knicks, he could develop into a quality all-around playmaker.

Next: Beyond The Court

Home/Knicks News