Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Players Who Need To Step Up After Season Opener

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) shoots over Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Lance Thomas (42) shoots over Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) moves the ball in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 117-88. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) moves the ball in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 117-88. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Jennings

The New York Knicks are fortunate to have Brandon Jennings as the sixth man and backup point guard. Both in the preseason and the regular season opener, Jennings stepped up as a facilitator and transition playmaker.

The Knicks need Jennings to provide a more effective and efficient impact as a scorer, however, and that’s something he’s yet to do.

Jennings has a career field goal percentage of .390, but the Knicks need him to be more efficient. He’s always done an excellent job of taking care of the ball and converting from 3-point range, but he needs to finish at a higher clip when attacking the basket.

Jeff Hornacek’s offense is predicated on the guards being able to create penetration and keep an opposing defense honest—something Jennings must improve upon.

Jennings dished out five assists in 21 minutes during the regular season opener, which is consistent with what he produced during the preseason. That’s an invaluable truth when one considers the fact that Derrick Rose had one assist against Cleveland.

Jennings’ ability to facilitate could be of extraordinary value, but the Knicks need him to be able to keep opposing defenses honest as a scorer, as well.

Home/Knicks News