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New York Knicks: Who stepped up during preseason loss to Houston Rockets?

By Maxwell Ogden

WHITE PLAINS, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks is photographed at New York Knicks Media Day on September 25, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
WHITE PLAINS, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks is photographed at New York Knicks Media Day on September 25, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks passes the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 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 – MARCH 27: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks passes the ball during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Ron Baker

Ron Baker missed the first three preseason games in 2017. The New York Knicks suffered from the absence of ideal depth at the two guard positions, primarily suffering from the need for a tenacious competitor whose hustle and defense would create improved balance.

The Houston Rockets were an unstoppable offensive force of nature, but Baker provided the Knicks with the very traits they were searching for: Hustle and defense.

Baker finished his preseason debut with five points, four assists, one rebound, and a steal in 24 minutes of action. There were expected signs of rust, but the 24-year-old competed with a feverish passion against one of the league’s elite backcourts.

Turnovers and foul trouble were the inevitable results of the fact he hasn’t played an NBA game since April, but Baker looked the part of a quality contributor.

New York will surround Baker with significantly more help come the regular season. With a lineup that actually includes Willy Hernangomez, Frank Ntilikina, and Kristaps Porzingis, Baker’s energy will be better appreciated and more influential in the role designed for him.

In the meantime, it was nice to see him back on the court and playing with the reckless abandon that endeared him to the coaching staff in 2016-17.

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