New York Knicks: Five reasons to love Ron Baker re-signing

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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 20: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks drives into the lane against Jeremy Lin #7 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of their preseason game at Barclays Center on October 20, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

4. Willing Passer

Ron Baker hasn’t yet become a strong enough facilitator to be accurately labeled as a full-time point guard. There’s a difference between recording assists and being willing to move the ball, however, and Baker fits the latter description.

The key to offensive success in the modern NBA is unselfishness, and Baker is the embodiment of a team-first player.

Baker finished the 2016-17 season with an average of 4.5 assists per 36 minutes. That’s a strong mark when one considers the fact that Baker played just three percent of his minutes at point guard, per Basketball-Reference.com.

Baker also took good care of the ball, committing just 2.4 turnovers per 36 minutes—an impressively low number for a first-year player.

Beyond the assist numbers, Baker plays an unselfish game that can help his teammates grow and improve. He’s willing to work without the ball, looks to get his teammates involved when he has it, and brings it on the other end with a high level of defensive intensity.

Baker may not be Rajon Rondo or John Wall, but his willingness to move the ball and create for others will be a necessary presence on a young roster.