New York Knicks: Realistic Expectations For Brandon Jennings In 2016-17

Sep 26, 2016; White Plains, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Brandon Jennings 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 point guard Brandon Jennings addresses the media during the New York Knicks Media Day at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 31, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) gets defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-90. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) gets defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-90. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Health & Availability

Much like fellow New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose, sixth man Brandon Jennings has injury concerns. He ruptured his achilles tendon in 2014-15 and played in just 48 games during the 2015-16 regular season.

The reality is: Jennings has shown minimal signs of being a consistent injury risk.

Jennings played in at least 80 games in three of his first five seasons in the NBA. He played the full 66-game lockout-shortened season in 2011-12, giving him a nearly complete campaign in four of five years.

He was injured just 41 games into the 2014-15 season, however, and missed 34 games due to injury in 2015-16.

The encouraging news is that Jennings was active for 48 of 53 games following his return from injury in 2015-16. Four of the five games that he missed were for precautionary purposes at the end of the regular season.

It’s certainly possible that Jennings will miss some time in 2016-17, but he should be able to play at least 70 games this coming season.

Realistic Expectation: 28.0 MPG, 75 Games Played