What exactly can New York Knicks fans expect of sixth man Brandon Jennings in 2016-17? Phil Jackson challenged him to win Sixth Man of the Year.
The New York Knicks are dangerously close to the beginning of what’s shaping up to be one of the most important seasons in franchise history. Phil Jackson is approaching his third season as team president and the Knicks haven’t made the playoffs since 2013.
In an attempt to end that postseason drought, Jackson signed one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NBA: Brandon Jennings.
The Knicks signed Jennings to a one-year deal worth $5 million during the summer of 2016. He’s already stated that he wants to re-sign with the Knicks in 2017, but both New York and Jennings himself have something to prove.
Coming off of what was an erratic season in 2015-16, Jennings will need to prove that he’s worth a multi-year and multi-million dollar investment.
A season ago, Jennings posted averages of 6.9 points, 3.5 assists, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 steals, and 1.1 3-point field goals in 18.1 minutes per game. He was fresh off of an achilles injury, however, and traditionally produces at a far higher rate.
The question is: what can the Knicks realistically expect to receive from Jennings in 2016-17?