5. Norris Cole, UFA
Position: Point Guard
Age: 27 (10/13/1988)
2015-16 Slash Line: .405/.324/.800
2015-16 Season Averages: 26.6 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 3.7 APG, 3.4 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 3PM
Norris Cole began his NBA career by winning back-to-back championships as a member of the Miami Heat. In the three years that have followed, Cole didn’t exactly find a way to translate that success to New Orleans.
Though there are some question marks about what more he has to offer, at 27 years of age, Cole is worth bringing in at the veteran’s minimum.
The appeal with Cole is that he’s a capable scorer and playmaker with postseason experience. Considering the Knicks already have the starting and backup positions filled, Cole could help as a third point guard.
Given Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings‘ respective injury histories, having a third point guard on the roster wouldn’t be a terrible idea.
Unfortunately, Cole has become something of a defensive liability—and that’s founded more in his effort than his ability. Opponents shot 5.4 percent better when Cole was the primary defender in 2015-16.
If the Knicks believe that Cole can find himself defensively, then he may not be a terrible signing. There are simply better options.
Next: The Veteran