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New York Knicks: One Area In Which Every Starter Must Improve

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) against the Phoenix Suns in the first quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) and forward Carmelo Anthony (7) against the Phoenix Suns in the first quarter at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Knicks 113-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek instructs Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek instructs Knicks guard Courtney Lee (5) during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Courtney Lee: Defensive Impact

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 31 (10/3/1985)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .450/.463/.848
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.0 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 3PM

Courtney Lee is shooting a league-best 46.3 percent from beyond the arc. Though he’s fulfilling his duties as an offensive player, Lee was brought to New York for his value on the other end of the floor.

Though Lee is hardly the player to blame for the New York Knicks’ defensive woes, the team is actually 2.4 points per 100 possessions more efficient on defense when he isn’t on the court.

There’s only so much that one perimeter defender can do for a team, but Lee is the type of talent who can help turn this season around. Although he may not be regarded as an elite defender, he’s capable of defending multiple positions at a high level.

At 6’5″ and 200 pounds with plus athleticism and the agility to go over screens, Lee should be a reliable asset on the defensive end of the floor.

In fairness to Lee, the burden he’s shouldered on defense has been bigger than just containing his assignment. The Knicks are slow to rotate against shooters, which rests with not just Lee, but with the entire roster.

True as that all may be, Lee must make a veteran commitment to maintaining a high level of defensive intensity—even when his teammates fail to.

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