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New York Knicks: Five Key Improvements Made In Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) react after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 98-85 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) react after beating the Memphis Grizzlies 98-85 at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Courtney Lee (1) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) compete for a loose ball during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Courtney Lee (1) and Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) compete for a loose ball during the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Perimeter Defense

As previously alluded to, the New York Knicks had a starting backcourt that simply couldn’t keep up athletically. Said players were solid in certain areas individually, but failed to come together and gel as a unit.

By improving the backcourt’s athleticism, the Knicks have effectively addressed the need to refine their perimeter defense.

In 2015-16, New York routinely allowed opposing guards to create penetration at virtual will. Jose Calderon, Arron Afflalo, and Sasha Vujacic all played admirably, but none could contain the playmakers New York encountered.

Courtney Lee and Justin Holiday should provide a significant upgrade in that regard, and even Brandon Jennings and Derrick Rose should be improvements over Calderon.

Lee and Holiday have the athleticism and defensive ability to contain perimeter scorers. Jennings and Rose aren’t the most consistent defensive players, but both play the passing lanes and are capable of picking an opponent’s pocket.

If Carmelo Anthony comes back with the same defensive intensity that he displayed in 2015-16, and Kristaps Porzingis and Joakim Noah flourish, the Knicks will be a tough team to score against.

Next: The Key To Efficient Offense

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