3. Positional Versatility
The New York Knicks currently have three centers signed to guaranteed contracts: Willy Hernangomez, Joakim Noah, and Marshall Plumlee. New York also has three power forwards: Lou Amundson, Kyle O’Quinn, and Kristaps Porzingis.
That seems structurally wise, but it’s redundant when one considers the fact that Carmelo Anthony, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, and Lance Thomas can all play the 4 with consistency.
In other words, New York essentially has six power forwards and three centers on the roster.
The Knicks have Brandon Jennings and Derrick Rose at point guard, and Justin Holiday, Courtney Lee, and Sasha Vujacic at shooting guard. Holiday is unproven and both Jennings and Rose have suffered a season-ending injury within the past three years.
Between the injury concerns and the lack of established backcourt depth, adding a positionally versatile guard like Baker would be a wise decision.
Baker can fill in at shooting guard if Holiday underwhelms or Vujacic’s age catches up to him. He could also play point guard if either Jennings or Rose were to suffer an injury at any point in 2016-17.
At the very least, this is reason to keep Baker nearby with the Westchester Knicks in the NBA D-League.