Knicks Rumors: Pros and Cons of potentially signing Dion Waiters

Con: Defensive Inconsistency

If the New York Knicks sign unrestricted free agent Dion Waiters, they’ll be doing so with knowledge of his weakness. He’s not a turnstile defensively, but 2016-17 was the first time in his career that he displayed any measure of consistency.

It’s possible that Waiters is turning a corner and developing into a legitimate two-way player, but it’s just as likely that he’ll regress.

New York’s primary focus is—and should be—finding players who are willing to work on both ends of the floor. Waiters indicated that he is during his time in Miami, but even then, he was a slightly below average defensive player.

The Knicks don’t necessarily need a shooting guard who can lock players down, but Waiters would need to provide a consistent level of energy and intensity.

The hurdle here is that, as Waiters enters the prime of his career, he’ll likely be asking for a long-term contract. Thus, if Waiters is signed and then underwhelms on either end of the floor, he’ll likely be difficult to move.

There’s no guaranteeing that he’ll regress, but it’s no more likely that Waiters will realize his potential as an on-ball and team defender.