Daily Knicks
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Mar 4, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Lance Stephenson (1) dribbles as Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Utah 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Lance Stephenson (1) dribbles as Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Utah 94-88. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Lance Stephenson

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 25 (9/5/1990)
2015-16 Slash Line: .481/.385/.784
2015-16 Season Averages: 19.9 MPG, 8.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.6 SPG

Just two seasons ago, Lance Stephenson was breaking out as a borderline star for the Indiana Pacers. His scoring prowess, dominant rebounding, and treasured ability to facilitate from the 2 made him one of the more coveted players in the NBA.

Now 25 years of age, Stephenson is struggling to find employment in the NBA—and that’s exactly why the New York Knicks should sign him.

Stephenson isn’t just a highly capable playmaker who can be had for the veteran’s minimum. Instead, he’s a highly capable playmaker who can be had for the veteran’s minimum and is as hungry as any player in the NBA.

Considering the Knicks are building a rotation that’s flush with hungry competitors, adding Stephenson to the mix could actually help the team dynamic.

At his best, Stephenson can create in the half court, push the pace in transition, and influence games on both ends. At his worst, Stephenson’s poor shot selection and carelessness with the ball can cost his team dearly.

There’s little middle-ground with Stephenson, but he did averaged 14.2 points on a slash line of .474/.355/.815 with the Grizzlies in 2015-16.

Though there are other appealing options, this debate comes down to three players: Baker, Randle, and Lance Stephenson.

Home/Knicks News