New York Knicks: What Every Starter Must Improve Upon After 20 Games

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Dec 4, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) shoots against Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 106-98. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Point Guard: Derrick Rose

Experience: 8th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .455/.258/.838
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.3 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.3 RPG, 0.7 SPG
In Need Of Improvement: Midrange Jump Shot

Derrick Rose very clearly outlined the process he’s laid out for his progression in 2016-17. The first step has been reacting instead of over-thinking when he’s on the court, which has helped him move more confidently than he has in recent years.

The next step for Rose—as he himself acknowledged—will be to improve the consistency with which he shoots from midrange.

Rose has made 30 midrange jump shots through 20 appearances, which is a quality rate of 1.5 per game. He’s doing so on 39.5 percent shooting, which is an efficient enough mark to believe he’s closing in on legitimate efficiency.

With a floater that’s beginning to look more like Tony Parker’s than an injured Rose’s, the 28-year-old has found an ideal complement to his craftiness at the rim.

If Rose can consistently hit better than 40 percent of his midrange jump shots, he won’t need to drive as often. That would obviously make the game easier on his body, but it’d also diversify his offensive game and keep opposing teams on their toes.

With Rose aiming to have his 3-point shot working by the time the postseason rolls around, the next logical step is what he stated: solidifying his midrange game.

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