Defense
The New York Knicks needed a perimeter player who could be trusted to defend multiple positions at a high level. Courtney Lee certainly fits the bill as one of the better and more versatile defensive guards in the Association.
Lee may not be Tony Allen, but he’s capable of containing players at point guard, shooting guard, and small forward.
Lee held opponents to 41.8 percent shooting during the 2015-16 NBA regular season. That’s especially impressive when one considers the fact that Lee was traded mid-season and still maintained his consistency and intensity.
The Memphis Grizzlies certainly benefited from Lee’s presence, as they posted a defensive rating of 102.1 with him on the court and 107.4 without him—a difference of 5.3 points allowed per 100 possessions.
In New York, Lee will be the primary perimeter defender. Carmelo Anthony has improved his effort, Brandon Jennings can rack up steals, and Derrick Rose has the build to be effective, but all three are prone to inconsistency.
Lee won’t generate an obscene number of steals, but he needs to be as close to a lockdown defender as he can be for the Knicks in 2016-17.
Realistic Expectation: 40.0 OPP FG%, 1.3 SPG