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New York Knicks: Free Agent Point Guards To Consider For Depth

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 8, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (12) enters the arena before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (12) enters the arena before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Steve Blake (22) is defended by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Steve Blake (22) is defended by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Steve Blake

Age: 36 (2/26/1980)
2015-16 Slash Line: .388/.344/.800
2015-16 Season Averages: 17.0 MPG, 4.4 PPG, 3.4 APG, 1.5 RPG, 0.9 3PM

Prior to the 2015-16 season, NBA general managers were asked which active players would make the best coaches. Chris Paul unsurprisingly checked in at No. 1, and Mike Conley came in with the second-most votes.

The player who finished at No. 3 in the voting process: 13-year NBA veteran point guard Steve Blake.

Blake is revered as one of the smartest and toughest players in the Association. An efficient shooter who takes care of the ball, he’s a pure competitor who holds his teammates accountable and is a true extension of his coaching staff.

Though the definition of a point guard may be changing, a floor general’s role remains the same: interpret and execute a coach’s vision.

If Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings are going to shoulder the workload in games, then a 36-year-old Blake would be the perfect option to set the tone in practice. He’d also be a solid short-term replacement in the event of an injury to one of those two players.

No realistic target will contribute major numbers, which makes Blake’s leadership, toughness, and accountability the wise free agency target.

Next: Consistency and Familiarity

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