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New York Knicks: Under The Radar Free Agents To Consider

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 24: KJ McDaniels #14 of the Brooklyn Nets collides with Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards after dunking during the second half at Verizon Center on March 24, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 24: KJ McDaniels #14 of the Brooklyn Nets collides with Jason Smith #14 of the Washington Wizards after dunking during the second half at Verizon Center on March 24, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 09: Thabo Sefolosha #25 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Doug McDermott #11 of the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 09: Thabo Sefolosha #25 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Doug McDermott #11 of the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Thabo Sefolosha

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 33 (5/2/1984)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .441/.342/.733
2016-17 Season Averages: 25.7 MPG, 7.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG< 1.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.7 3PM

The New York Knicks may be embracing a youth movement, but defense should still be a priority. If a contender opts against signing Thabo Sefolosha, then he could be the ideal veteran to help mentor the younger wings on how to maintain position defensively.

Elite defense remains a prerequisite for team success, and Sefolosha could provide great value on a one-year deal.

Sefolosha’s offensive game is limited, and it’s more than likely that he’d prefer to sign with a contender. New York needs defense to become a priority, however, and Sefolosha is a respected veteran who could set a tone in the locker room.

That alone is reason to be intrigued, especially with Sefolosha’s 2015-16 and 2016-17 teammate, Tim Hardaway Jr., coming to New York.

If the idea is to tank in 2017-18, then adding a player like Sefolosha may be a bad idea. Sefolosha may not be a star, but he has a significant impact on the game and would help stabilize a unit that Jeff Hornacek may rather see experience growing pains.

If sustainability is the goal and tanking isn’t a prerequisite, however, then a move for Sefolosha could help build a strong culture.

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The New York Knicks have a number of under the radar free agents to consider.