Knicks: One Key Area In Which Every Starter Must Improve

Brandon Jennings: Scoring In Traffic

Position: Sixth Man
Age: 26 (9/23/1989)
2015-16 Slash Line: .368/.329/.731
2015-16 Season Averages: 18.1 MPG, 6.9 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.0 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.1 3PM

The New York Knicks have given Brandon Jennings an opportunity to achieve redemption. He signed a one-year deal worth $5 million, which was both below his expected market value and a testament to his determination.

Jennings wants to prove himself in a major market, and that all starts with becoming a far more efficient scorer on the drive.

Jennings was hindered by injuries in 2015-16, but through seven seasons, he has a career field goal percentage of 39.0. Though he does boast a career average of 1.9 3-point field goals made on 35.0 percent shooting, his field goal percentage is dreadful.

That can be directly attributed to the manner in which Jennings has struggled to score from within the 3-point line.

In 2014-15, Jennings shot just 33.3 percent from 5-to-9 feet and 29.7 percent from 10-to-14 feet. He shot 28.6 percent from 5-to-9 feet and 28.6 percent from 10-to-14 feet in 2013-14, and had marks of 32.0 percent and 41.4 percent in 2012-13.

Jennings can get his shot off against virtually anyone, but he needs to become a more legitimate threat when attacking the basket.

must read: Five reasons the Knicks will make the playoffs

If the Knicks’ five starters and sixth man can make these adjustments, then New York will emerge as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.