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Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros, Cons Of Pursuing Emmanuel Mudiay

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) guards Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 127-114. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New York Knicks guard Brandon Jennings (3) guards Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 127-114. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) brings the ball up the court during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) brings the ball up the court during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Passing Ability

One could argue that Emmanuel Mudiay is a facilitator, but that isn’t yet true. What he is, however, is a sensational passer who can get the ball from Point A to Point B as well as any young player in the NBA.

If Jeff Hornacek can help Mudiay improve his decision making, there’s reason to believe he can develop into a legitimate facilitator.

Mudiay averaged 6.5 assists per 36 minutes in 2015-16 and is at 5.3 per 36 minutes in 2016-17. His usage rate has declined by 3.1 percent, which accounts for the slight decline in production from season to season.

When Mudiay is trusted to make plays for his teammates, he possesses the size, creativity, and vision to create as well as any second-year player in the NBA.

Mudiay sees the floor well and has great zip behind his passes, which is the first step towards being a facilitator. He’s been better about taking care of the ball in 2016-17, but he still shows the brief moment of hesitation that separates the passers from the facilitators.

Mudiay’s upside as a pick and roll facilitator and transition maestro is undeniable, however, and that’s an appealing truth for a New York Knicks team that needs playmakers.

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