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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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HOUSTON – MAY 29: Jeff Hornacek #14 of the Utah Jazz shoots against the Houston Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals on May 29, 1997 at the Summit in Houston, Texas. The Utah Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets 103-100. Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON – MAY 29: Jeff Hornacek #14 of the Utah Jazz shoots against the Houston Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals on May 29, 1997 at the Summit in Houston, Texas. The Utah Jazz defeated the Houston Rockets 103-100. Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Jeff Hornacek

If your level of familiarity with Jeff Hornacek is limited to his status as the head coach of the New York Knicks, you’d benefit from expanding your knowledge. Prior to becoming a coach, Hornacek was a respected combo guard who offered a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor.

We’ve compared Ron Baker to a young Hornacek on more than one occasion, and that’s the ultimate upside comparison for him—a good one to have.

Individually, Hornacek was ahead of his time as the prototype for the modern point guard. Standing at 6’4″ with quality court vision, a lethal outside shot, and rugged defensive versatility, Hornacek pieced together an outstanding career that few saw coming.

Although he primarily played the 2, between 1988-89 and 1998-99, Hornacek averaged 16.1 points, 5.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on a slash line of .497/.404/.880.

A second-round draft pick in 1986, Hornacek was a featured player on the Phoenix Suns teams that reached the 1989 and1990 Western Conference Finals. He also played a critical role as the No. 3 scoring option on the Utah Jazz teams that reached the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals.

A self-taught shooter, committed defender, and creative facilitator who went to great lengths to improve his game, Hornacek is the perfect mentor for Baker to follow.

Must Read: 5 players Kyle O'Quinn should study

If Ron Baker is willing to put in the time to study those who came before him, he can make significant progress towards justifying the $8.9 million the New York Knicks have sent his way.

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