Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Comparing the two-way contract candidates

By Maxwell Ogden

GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
GREENBURG, NY - JULY 17: New York Knicks team President, Steve Mills and Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks introduce General Manager Scott Perry at a pess conference at the at Knicks Practice Center July 17, 2017 in Greenburg, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 17: Pittsburgh Panthers forward Jamel Artis (1) shoots a free throw during a game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the North Carolina State Wolfpack on January 17, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 17: Pittsburgh Panthers forward Jamel Artis (1) shoots a free throw during a game between the Pittsburgh Panthers and the North Carolina State Wolfpack on January 17, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Off-Ball Offense

Jamel Artis is not only the best individual scorer competing for the two-way contract, but the most proficient in off-ball scenarios. He keeps the ball high when he shoots, moves well along the perimeter, and is consistent at going right up into his jumper off the catch.

If the Knicks are looking for a scorer, then Artis would be the best value in both on-ball and off-ball scenarios—a compelling reality.

Second on the list is Nigel Hayes, who finds balance for his shortcomings in isolation. He isn’t the greatest shooter, but he can get by with a respectable outside shot and the ability to work the baseline, crash the offensive boards, and play above the rim.

Most importantly: Hayes can set hard screens and either dive to the rim or float out to the perimeter, thus creating unpredictability off of high screens.

Although he’s quite skilled with the ball in his hands, it’s fair to question Rathan-Mayes’ effectiveness in off-ball scenarios. That’s said with a firm acknowledgement of the fact that Florida State ran an offense that consisted of a great deal of motion and a number of quality playmakers.

Rathan-Mayes is still a somewhat subpar 3-point shooter, however, and in the modern NBA, point guards need to be more consistent from beyond the arc.

Rankings

  1. Jamel Artis
  2. Nigel Hayes
  3. Xavier Rathan-Mayes