New York Knicks: 5 realistic goals for Ron Baker in 2017-18

4. Create For Others

Ron Baker was named by general manager Scott Perry as one of the five core players on the New York Knicks. It was a somewhat surprising revelation, as Baker wasn’t necessarily viewed by fans or analysts as a player who’s essential to the Knicks’ vision.

With his status revealed as a core contributor, however, the best way for Baker to prove he belongs is to do what he does best: Make his teammates better.

The Knicks have a surplus of point guards competing for roster spots in 2017-18. That laundry list features Baker, Jarrett Jack, Frank Ntilikina, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, and Ramon Sessions—none of whom are regarded as elite facilitators, but all of whom can distribute the ball.

What the Knicks will need most from the point guard position in 2017-18 is a measure of consistency in the way they create for others.

Kristaps Porzingis, Enes Kanter, and Willy Hernangomez are promising scorers, but they’re also big men who need help getting efficient looks at the basket. Tim Hardaway Jr. is coming off of a career-year, during which he averaged 4.2 points per game off of catch-and-shoot threes alone.

Baker doesn’t need to be John Wall or Rajon Rondo, but his quality rookie-year average of 4.5 assists per 36 minutes should increase in 2017-18.