New York Knicks: Ron Baker Should Make The Main Roster

Oct 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) defends against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) as he plays the ball during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) defends against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) as he plays the ball during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) and New York Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) battle for a loose ball during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) and New York Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) battle for a loose ball during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

4. Defensive Intensity

The fact that Ron Baker can shoot is valuable, but the fact that he can also defend is what makes him deserving of a main roster spot. He’s still developing his fundamentals on defense, but Baker clearly has the desire to be a high-quality defender.

It’s harder than it may seem to find players who want to play defense, and that alone is reason to give Baker a serious look.

Baker isn’t afraid to get physical on the defensive end of the floor. He’s capable of defending in the finesse manner that the modern NBA often requires, but he’s also willing to get his hands dirty if that’s what his team needs.

Players cut from that cloth tend to fare well in the NBA. They often make a significant impact during the NBA Playoffs.

Whether he’s a Matthew Dellavedova or a guard Shane Battier, Baker plays a defensive style that gets under players’ skin. Steals and blocks are nice, but actually throwing someone off of their game is a much more difficult task.

Having a young and developing guard who’s already willing to do a job that so few perimeter players are willing to do in the modern NBA would be invaluable.