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New York Knicks: Predicting 2016-17 Statistical Leaders

By Geoffrey Campbell

Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) slam dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) slam dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) shoots over Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) shoots over Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Three-Point Shooting

2015-2016: Jose Calderon – 41% 3P

Prediction for 2016-2017 – Lance Thomas – 43% 3P

This is a bit of risky pick, but I firmly believe that Lance Thomas is a player who has improved every year in the league. He will reward the Knicks for giving him his first long-term contact.

Last year, Thomas proved very adept at hitting the corner three. Teams didn’t know what to expect from him and he made them pay. Thomas is also a player who is very content with playing his role.

He plays hard-nosed defense, shoots if he’s open, and moves the ball if he’s not. Between the 2014-15 and 2015-16 season, he improved from a 33 percent shooting to 40 percent shooting from distance.

Look for Thomas to continue this trend as he enters his eighth NBA season.

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee addresses the media 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 guard Courtney Lee addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Of course, it would be easy to say that Courtney Lee will lead the Knicks in three point shooting. He will certainly be a key player against opposing defenses.

While Lee is a welcome addition to the backcourt, he’s not a lights out shooter. He is a career 38 percent three point shooter and shot a career best 44 percent in 30 games with the Boston Celtics in 2013-2014.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, Lee’s attempted more three-point and two-points shots since 2014-2015, but that also means an opportunity to miss more shots as well. Lee will play a greater role and his contribution may translate to more wins, but Thomas will be a more efficient three-point shooter.

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