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

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek (L) speaks to his players on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek (L) speaks to his players on the bench during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) looks to drive to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) looks to drive to the basket past Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Shooting Guard: Courtney Lee

Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .439/.444/.917
2016-17 Season Averages: 29.7 MPG, 9.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.3 3PM
In Need Of Improvement: Patience On Defense

The New York Knicks have been able to rely upon Courtney Lee for consistent contributions. He’s shooting a high percentage from beyond the arc, has occasionally stepped up as a facilitator, and is moving well both with and without the ball.

For as unenvious a task as it is to be the only perimeter defender giving a consistent effort, Lee simply cannot let go of his will to defend at a high level.

The Knicks depend on Lee to mask the defensive flaws of the players he’s on the court with, which is a borderline unfair request. Nevertheless, it’s what Lee must do when Jeff Hornacek assigns him to point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards.

If Lee can maintain a high level of defensive intensity the rest of the way, the Knicks should be able to turn things around as a team.

Again, Lee isn’t the reason the Knicks’ defense has been abysmal; he’s been individually solid. New York is beginning to defend at a higher level in recent games, however, which means Lee will need to hold his perimeter teammates accountable.

If Lee can maintain a high level of defensive intensity and fight the urges to slack off when times are tough, then the Knicks can build a true defensive juggernaut.

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