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New York Knicks: Free Agents To Fill Final Roster Spot

By Maxwell Ogden

March 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Chasson Randle (5) celebrates after making the game-winning basket against the Washington Huskies during the second half in the first round of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Cardinal defeated the Huskies 71-69. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Chasson Randle (5) celebrates after making the game-winning basket against the Washington Huskies during the second half in the first round of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Cardinal defeated the Huskies 71-69. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Norris Cole (30) shoots against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Norris Cole (30) shoots against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

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

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