New York Knicks: What Every Starter Has To Prove
Brandon Jennings: He’s Still Got It
Position: Point Guard / Sixth Man
Age: 26 (9/23/1989)
Slash Line: .358/.329/.731
Season Averages: 18.1 MPG, 6.9 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.0 RPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.1 3PM
Technically speaking, Brandon Jennings isn’t a starter. He is, however, the sixth man on a New York Knicks team that has a starting a point guard who could miss time due to legal troubles and his long history of injuries.
Thus, Jennings will likely have the opportunity to start a reasonably high number of games in 2016-17.
Whether he’s starting or coming off of the bench, Jennings must prove that he’s still the rising star that he once was. Even if he’s lost a step, Jennings is shouldering a heavy burden as a primary ball-handler and playmaker.
After rupturing his achilles tendon in 2014-15 and playing inefficiently in 48 games in 2015-16, Jennings knows he has something to prove.
Brandon Jennings: I definitely have a chip on my shoulder. I just want to show people that I'm back.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 8, 2016
Knicks fans are in his corner.
It’d be unwise to put too much stock into Jennings’ numbers from 2015-16. He was robbed of his offseason in 2015 and made a miraculously fast return to the NBA from what was a career-threatening injury.
The fact that he played in 48 of 53 games once he returned is evidence of how hard he’s working.
Entering 2015-16, Jennings had career averages of 16.6 points, 6.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.9 3-point field goals made per game. He’s played in 11 postseason games, scored 55 points in a single game, and recorded 51 double-doubles.
Must Read: Five reasons Carmelo Anthony is still a Top 20 player
If Jennings can reclaim the form that made him a fan favorite between 2009 and 2015, the Knicks will be postseason contenders again.