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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 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) reacts during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) reacts during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Sixth Man: Brandon Jennings

Experience: 8th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .386/.313/.774
2016-17 Season Averages: 21.7 MPG, 7.1 PPG, 5.0 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 3PM
In Need Of Improvement: Willingness To Shoot

Those outside of New York City would have a hard time believing it, but Brandon Jennings’ biggest issue has been his reluctance to shoot. He’s passing up wide-open 3-point field goals and potential layups for passes out to the perimeter.

Jennings’ facilitating has galvanized the Knicks’ second unit and starters, but he must be able to keep defenses honest with his scoring touch.

Jennings has a 55-point game, 32 30-point games, 43 games with at least 25 points, and 146 games with at least 20. In other words: Jennings is a legitimately lethal scorer who has a proven capability of going off for high scoring totals on multiple occasions in a single season.

Jennings can continue to focus on creating offense as a facilitator, but he can’t continue to shy away to the scoring opportunities that present themselves.

Jennings is beginning to shoot with more confidence and score with a stronger sense of urgency. He’s scored at least 12 points in three of the past five games, including a 19-point eruption during a 106-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

If Jennings can find the ideal balance between scoring and facilitating, he can be the ultimate X-Factor for a Knicks team that’s shown flashes of being a contender.

Must Read: Pros and Cons of Jeff Hornacek's first 20 games as head coach

Jennings is getting closer to realizing his potential in Jeff Hornacek’s offense, which means the Knicks are closing in on building one of the best benches in the NBA.

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