New York Knicks: Jarrett Jack earning a post-Noah tenure

The New York Knicks kept Jarrett Jack on the main roster in place of the suspended Joakim Noah. Jack is proving he deserves to remain on the roster once Noah returns.

Over the course of the first three regular season games, the New York Knicks were the worst offensive team in the NBA. The three-ball was falling at a historically poor clip, the guards were struggling to create penetration, and the wings provided minimal value.

In the three games that have followed, however, the Knicks have been one of the most explosive offensive teams in the NBA—a string of success that all began with a controversial decision.

Ramon Sessions started each of the Knicks’ first three games at point guard. When it was announced that Frank Ntilikina would be healthy and available for the Knicks’ fourth game of the season, however, many speculated that the rookie would get the nod.

Instead, head coach Jeff Hornacek drew the ire of Knicks fans for announcing that he’d be starting veteran Jarrett Jack at point guard.

Three games later, the frustration seems irrational.

In three games as the starting point guard, Jack is averaging 5.3 points, 8.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 30.3 minutes per game. Beyond the individual numbers, he’s helped the Knicks secure three consecutive victories over quality opponents.

That includes a 107-86 win over the Brooklyn Nets, a stunning 114-95 blowout of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the recent 116-110 escape of the Denver Nuggets.

In each of those three games, Jack was a calming force for the younger players and a tremendous facilitator for the previously struggling offense.

Over the course of the first three games of 2017-18, the Knicks ranked dead last in offensive efficiency. In the three games with Jack as the starter, however, the Knicks have ranked No. 3 in the NBA in points per 100 possessions.

The difference between this tale of two early halves has been the presence of a player who can get the ball to where it needs to be.

Jack’s current average of 6.5 assists per game puts him on pace to be the first player to dish out more than 5.0 assists per game since 2013-14. More importantly, it’s been the difference between the Knicks living in isolation and playing as a team.

According to Fred Kerber of The New York Post, coach Hornacek is giving Jack credit for his invaluable leadership and court vision.

"“When things get crazy, he can get us into something, and he guides us, too,” Jeff Hornacek said. “He’s a thinking point guard. If some guy hasn’t had a shot in a while, he’s going to figure out a way to get him the ball. If somebody’s hot, he’s going to figure out a way to give him the ball. He’s out there thinking about the game. Jarrett is a veteran guy who’s really done a nice job finding the mismatch when there is one, getting the guy who’s hot, make sure he calls a play for that person. He’s just a good team leader that way.”"

Unfortunately, Jack hasn’t yet secured his place as a full-time member of the 2017-18 Knicks.

Noah has six games remaining on his suspension, which will push the Knicks to 16 active members on the main roster. Considering the NBA allows no more than 15 players to be on any team, the organization will need to make a cut once Noah returns.

Jack is signed to a non-guaranteed contract, which makes him the favorite to be the player released by the Knicks.

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As Jarrett Jack continues to prove his value as a leader and facilitator, however, he may earn a post-Noah future with the New York Knicks.