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New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Xavier Rathan-Mayes signing

By Maxwell Ogden

TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Boston College Eagles at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 20, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 19th ranked Florida State defeated Boston College 104 to 72. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Boston College Eagles at the Donald L. Tucker Center on February 20, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. The 19th ranked Florida State defeated Boston College 104 to 72. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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SYRACUSE, NY – FEBRUARY 11: Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles shoots the ball as Michael Gbinije #0 of the Syracuse Orange defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 11, 2016 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY – FEBRUARY 11: Xavier Rathan-Mayes #22 of the Florida State Seminoles shoots the ball as Michael Gbinije #0 of the Syracuse Orange defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 11, 2016 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /

2. Scoring Ability

Xavier Rathan-Mayes was more of a well-rounded playmaker than a pure scorer during his career with the Florida State Seminoles. He’s the complete package as far as scoring is concerned, however, which should be acknowledged and valued in training camp.

If Rathan-Mayes manages to earn the final two-way contract, it stands to reason that he could provide an effective scoring punch from the second unit.

Rathan-Mayes struggled with his efficiency early in his career, but he pieced together a strong junior year. His volume decreased to 10.6 points per game and 15.3 points per 40 minutes, but he posted career-best marks in field goal, 2-point field goal, and 3-point field goal percentage.

As Rathan-Mayes expanded his range to beyond the arc, his abilities to drive the lane and stroke from midrange improved greatly.

In a defined scoring role in the NBA, Rathan-Mayes can continue to pick his spots as he polishes his skill set. He still has work to do, but he has raw tools in virtually every phase of the scoring game—most all of which improved in 2016-17.

The New York Knicks don’t need an elite scoring threat at point guard, which makes a more methodical approach perfect for Rathan-Mayes.