Daily Knicks
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New York Knicks Are Legitimate Eastern Conference Contenders

By Maxwell Ogden

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (left) addresses the media as point guard Derrick Rose looks on during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (left) addresses the media as point guard Derrick Rose looks on during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) defended by New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon (3) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) defended by New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon (3) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Dribble Penetration

The New York Knicks won 32 games in 2015-16. That’s quite the feat when one considers the fact that the Knicks had the single worst group of penetrating guards in the NBA—and it’s a compliment to even call them penetrating guards.

The Knicks ranked dead last in the NBA in drives per game, points via drives per game, and assists via drives per game during the 2015-16 season.

There are quality teams that produced limited numbers off the drive, but no team was as abysmal as the Knicks. New York scored 3.3 less points via drives per game than any other team in the NBA in 2015-16.

New York had 4.4 less drives per game than any other team in the NBA in 2015-16, as well, which limited any chance of its shooters getting open along the wings.

In 2016-17, the Knicks have a head coach and a trio of guards who should help it improve upon its fatal flaw. Jeff Hornacek is a master at creating driving lanes for his guards and Derrick Rose was No. 9 in the NBA in points via drives per game in 2015-16.

Brandon Jennings can run the pick and roll, and Courtney Lee can create off the bounce, which gives the Knicks a combination that should make offensive execution significantly more manageable in 2015-16.

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