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New York Knicks: Underrated Pending Free Agents In 2017 NBA Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) celebrates after scoring a three point shot during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) celebrates after scoring a three point shot during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) controls the ball during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) controls the ball during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Rajon Rondo, Team Option

Position: Point Guard
Age: 31 (2/22/1986)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .408/.376/.600
2016-17 Season Averages: 26.7 MPG, 7.8 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 0.7 3PM

One could fairly debate how well Rajon Rondo would fit the triangle offense. He’s never been much of a shooter, although he has improved to respectable marks of 36.5 percent from 3-point range in 2015-16 and 37.6 percent in 2016-17.

If the New York Knicks determine that a primary need is a point guard who can create for others, then Rondo should be a top target in free agency.

Rondo had a rough regular season, but he was playing on a team that had three ball-dominant perimeter players who struggle to shoot. During the playoffs, however, Rondo has more than redeemed himself—and it should’ve been expected.

Rondo averaged 11.5 points, 10.0 assists, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during the two playoff games he appeared in, and Chicago went 2-0—and it’s since lost three in a row without him.

Rondo is an all-time facilitator who has led the NBA in assists per game in three separate seasons. He’s a former All-NBA honoree, a four-time All-Star, and a four-time All-Defensive Team selection who led the league in steals per game in 2010.

Chicago has control of Rondo’s destiny with a team option, but if it decides to let him walk, then New York would benefit from giving Kristaps Porzingis a true facilitator.

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