Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: The Type Of Players Phil Jackson Should Target

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Dec 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) drops back on defense against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) drops back on defense against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

On-Ball Defenders

The New York Knicks were one of the least efficient defensive teams in the NBA during the 2016-17 NBA regular season. It ranked No. 23 in points allowed per game and No. 25 in points allowed per 100 possessions.

If the Knicks are going to improve on the defensive end of the floor, then the perimeter players must do a better job of keeping the competition in front of them.

New York can make the first step towards defensive improvement by re-signing Justin Holiday. He’s a high-quality on-ball defender who ranked No. 5 amongst shooting guards who played at least 20.0 minutes per game in Defensive Real Plus-Minus.

After re-signing Holiday, the Knicks must then turn their attention to improving the quality of defense at point guard and small forward.

Derrick Rose ranked No. 81 amongst point guards in Defensive RPM and Carmelo Anthony ranked No. 74 amongst small forwards. Both players performed with an inconsistent level of energy and efficiency on defense.

If the Knicks are going to make the necessary improvements on defense, then there must be a higher level of consistency at point guard and small forward.

Home/Knicks News