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

By Maxwell Ogden

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 31: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 31, 2017 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 31: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on March 31, 2017 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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GREENBURGH, NY – AUGUST 11: Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY – AUGUST 11: Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Develop Chemistry With Frank Ntilikina

One could rationally surmise that Ron Baker and Frank Ntilikina will be splitting time at the point guard position. Head coach Jeff Hornacek has a history of going small with his rotations, however, which means Baker and Ntilikina could conceivably share the court.

If Baker and Ntilikina are to play at the same time, little will matter more than the development of chemistry between the two hybrid guards.

This could be fairly perceived as a counterpoint to the need to define his position, but Baker and Ntilikina project to have significant long-term roles. Both are heralded for their defensive potential, and both have proven capable of creating for others.

Due to the fact that Hornacek successfully ran dual point guard sets with the Phoenix Suns, learning to play off of one another will be crucial to Baker and Ntilikina’s success.

When the two share the court together, they’ll each be tasked with defending point guards and shooting guards. Offensively, they’ll be asked to run the pick and roll, move without the ball, and space the floor when another player’s number is called.

If Baker and Ntilikina prove capable of not only being each other’s replacements, but playing together, then Hornacek would have a unique opportunity run an offense with two capable playmakers.

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