New York Knicks: Evaluating The State Of The Shooting Guard Position
By Randy Porga
Courtney Lee and Justin Holiday have received a lion’s share of the minutes at shooting guard. Can the New York Knicks trust that duo moving forward?
The New York Knicks have often forgotten to get quality shots for Courtney Lee and Justin Holiday. It’s just one example of the flaws that come with having too many big names on one team.
Even the biggest of fans can forget who the real clutch players are that are not in the mainstream.
The Knicks clearly haven’t built around the ability to score on demand from beyond the arc like most teams around the league. The point, of course, is to have quality looks and high percentage shots.
Carmelo Anthony was the dominant shooter until around the time the downward spiral was in full effect. A large issue on the season would be not giving more looks to the more efficient players
Courtney Lee Is Well Rounded And True To His Game
Courtney Lee is easily forgotten on the court, at times, and his frustrations should be understood. Between just Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony, it’s hard to imagine Jeff Hornacek building a pass -first offense.
However, on many occasions Lee shoots at a high percentage with a minimal amount of opportunities to score.
Many bring into question his age (31) and veteran status, but he has shown no signs of slowing down.
2016-2017 Season: 10.6 (PPG) 2.3 (AST) 3.4 (REB)
Career: 9.7 (PPG) 1.6 (AST) 2.7 (REB)
Lee is an excellent team player who fits nicely into the triangle offense going forward. Although some aspects of his defensive game need work, most players on the Knicks currently require the same improvements.
The argument as of late seems to be that the Knicks need perimeter shooting to alleviate the pressure from Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez. This year, when Lee had his number called, he certainly answered the call.
Over 72 games, Lee is shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from byond the arc. He’s averaging exactly 1.0 steal per game while also beating his career averages in points, assists, and rebounds per game.
Lee has been overlooked and under-rated this season. All things considered, he should be granted more opportunities next year.
New York Needs A Holiday, Or Two
Justin Holiday has been clutch more times than one can remember. Countless times this season, Holiday has nailed a clutch 3-pointer to keep the Knicks in the game, or even in the lead despite the final outcome of the game.
He’s played fairly well against some of the tougher guards he has faced and normally holds his own.
Holiday has certainly filled his role for the Knicks. A journeyman so far in his young career—five teams over four seasons—he may have found a home in New York.
In 19.3 minutes per game, Holiday is averaging 7.3 points on 42.7 percent shooting from the field and 35.4 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Quite the numbers you would like to see from someone who has yet to play a full season worth of games.
If Phil Jackson chooses not to re-sign him this upcoming offseason, it can be an ultimate failure as he is certainly trending upwards. It’s also an entertaining theory that Holiday’s brother, Jrue Holiday, may be the fit the Knicks need at point guard.
He will be a free-agent at the end of the season.
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The offseason may be promising if the New York Knicks consider their youth and productive veterans.