Pro: Untapped Potential
The most intriguing aspect of Ben McLemore’s game is that he hasn’t come close to scratching the surface of his ceiling. There have been flashes of brilliance, but generally speaking, McLemore has been a case of untapped potential.
After seeing what Jeff Hornacek was able to do with Gerald Green in Phoenix, it’s fair to be optimistic about what he could do with McLemore in New York.
McLemore hasn’t been a very good NBA player, and there isn’t a rational way to get around that fact. There’s still potential to tap into, however, as McLemore is a high-quality 3-point shooter who can excel in the right role.
Developing him as a full-time starter is another conversation, but he could have value offensively if he commits to playing hard on defense.
McLemore would benefit from playing on a better team what surrounded him in Sacramento, regardless of where that is. With the New York Knicks, McLemore could play off-ball on a team that defines his role and rewards his patience.
There’s no realistic way to guarantee that this move would work out, but if the New York Knicks take a chance on McLemore, there would be upside to explore.
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For what it’s worth: Ben McLemore averaged 18.6 points and 2.1 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes on a slash line of .456/.403/.736 after the 2017 All-Star Break.