Facilitating
If anything is going to bring the New York Knicks down in 2016-17, it’s the number of injury-prone players on the roster. Derrick Rose hasn’t played 70 games in a season since 2010-11 and Joakim Noah routinely misses 10-to-15 games per year.
The good news for the Knicks is the fact that, although he isn’t known for this trait, Courtney Lee can provide a quality impact as a facilitator in brief spurts.
Rose’s injury history and legal issues create the possibility for him to miss time during the 2016-17 NBA regular season. Brandon Jennings, who ruptured his achilles in 2014-15, could miss some time, as well.
Without a third point guard on the roster, it’s possible that Lee will have to step up and help carry the facilitating load.
Lee acknowledged as much on media day.
For those who can’t see the video:
"“At the point guard position, you got D-Rose and Brandon [Jennings]. I mean, I can help at that position if need be. If there’s foul trouble or, worst case, if there’s any injuries or whatnot.”"
Carmelo Anthony averaged a career-high 4.2 assists per game in 2015-16 and Noah is a tremendous facilitator from the high post. Lee’s ability to handle the ball and distribute is understated, but he had six games with at least five assists in 2015-16.
It’d be an all-hands-on-deck type of effort if Rose or Jennings were absent, but Lee is a capable facilitator who can create for others.
Realistic Expectation: 2.0 APG