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New York Knicks: Free Agent Point Guards Who Can Replace Derrick Rose

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday looks on during warmups before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday looks on during warmups before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) dribbles the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 108-100. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) dribbles the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 108-100. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

George Hill, UFA

Position: Point Guard
Age: 30 (5/4/1986)
Experience: 9th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .471/.393/.800
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.0 MPG, 16.9 PPG, 4.1 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.9 3PM

If the New York Knicks opt against signing a star-caliber point guard, then the primary need will be a 3-point shooter who can defend the position. There are a select few players who qualify as such, but Hill may be the cream of the crop.

Hill’s age and injury history could limit his market value, but he’s the type of veteran who has a positive impact on every team he plays for.

Hill is a high-quality 3-point shooter who has bordered on elite during the 2016-17 season. He’s not necessarily the most reliable of facilitators, but in contrast to Derrick Rose, he can play without the ball and help space the floor.

Most importantly, Hill is regarded as one of the best defensive point guards in the NBA, which is supported by him ranking No. 6 in Defensive RPM amongst point guards playing at least 20 minutes per game.

Hill and Courtney Lee would form a quality backcourt for the Knicks in 2017-18. Both can shoot the 3-ball, both can create for others, and both can defend at a high enough level to enable Kristaps Porzingis to adequately protect the rim.

Hill is 30 years of age and has missed 30 games in 2016-17, however, and that would require Phil Jackson to do the wise thing and only sign him to a short-term deal.

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