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

1. Jeff Hornacek’s Guy

Perhaps the most underrated contributors in sports are those who can be described as a coach’s favorite player. They aren’t necessarily stars, but instead the players who are willing to do the dirty work that others are uncomfortable with handling.

As evidenced by New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek publicly advising the organization to re-sign Ron Baker, it’s clear that he’s found a player he can build with.

When Hornacek entered the NBA as a player, he was a rugged and versatile combo guard who couldn’t shoot. Within four years, Hornacek evolved into one of the most lethal shooters and well-rounded guards in the Association.

It took drastic measures for that to occur—Hornacek famously taped his off-ball fingers to create better form—but that only makes the story all the more impressive.

It would be quite ambitious to state that Baker could follow in Hornacek’s footsteps as an All-Star with two NBA Finals appearances under his belt. What’s within the realm of possibility, however, is that Baker could mold his game after his head coach.

With a similar approach to the game and the respect of the man who can mentor him, Baker has a chance to pattern his game after a player who was ahead of their time: his coach.

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Ron Baker re-signing may not be a blockbuster deal, but he’s the type of player who can help the New York Knicks build a sustainably healthy culture.