2. Creating Penetration
The key to running a successful offense is being able to get the ball inside. Even during an era in which jump shooting is beginning to take precedence above all else, teams that struggle to get points in the paint generally struggle overall.
Whether it’s a consistent attack of the basket or a situational strength, it must be a present skill—and for the 2015-16 New York Knicks, it was entirely absent.
Statistically, the Knicks were dead last in points via drives per game at 10.4—4.3 points worse than the No. 29 team. New York was also No. 30 in both assists via drives per game and points in the paint per game.
Thus, while the point guards from 2015-16 may have excelled in some areas, the team’s inability to get to the rim was a paralyzing weakness.
The new starting point guard, Derrick Rose, ranked No. 14 in the NBA with an average of 8.9 drives per game in 2015-16. Brandon Jennings wasn’t much of a slasher in 2015-16, but he should be more efficient in getting to the basket after a full offseason.
Coupled with Courtney Lee’s strength as a straight-line finisher, the Knicks should do a much better job of collapsing opposing defenses and opening things up along the perimeter in 2016-17.
Next: The No. 1 Improvement