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New York Knicks: 5 players for Ron Baker to study

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during a game against the Washington Wizards on April 6, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during a game against the Washington Wizards on April 6, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 12: Kirk Hinrich #12 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 12, 2015 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 12: Kirk Hinrich #12 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 12, 2015 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Kirk Hinrich

Ron Baker is committed to defending at a high level, but he hasn’t yet learned how to do so in the NBA. His average athleticism is discussed far more often than it needs to be, but it will be nothing shot of essential for the New York Knicks guard to develop crisp fundamentals.

Few combo guards succeeded in doing a better job of exactly that than former Chicago Bulls guard and Tom Thibodeau favorite Kirk Hinrich.

Hinrich was never the most explosive of athletes, but he was regarded throughout his career as a high-level defender. A former All-Defensive Second Team honoree, he put his 6’4″ frame to use by defending both guard positions at a high level.

In addition to being able to contest the three-ball, Hinrich overcame his rather average athleticism by perfecting his footwork and thus keeping athletic slashers in front of him.

Offensively, Hinrich was an unselfish passer and an efficient three-point shooter. He could get his own shot off in isolation on occasion, and did a solid job of working the pick and roll as both a passer and a midrange shooter.

If 3-and-D contributions are the name of the game, and facilitating is a necessary complementary skill, then Hinrich is a prime example of who Baker should study.

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