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New York Knicks: Players who must step up in Tim Hardaway Jr.’s absence

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Tim Hardaway Jr #3 of the New York Knicks warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Tim Hardaway Jr #3 of the New York Knicks warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden on November 27, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks drives against Shane Larkin #8 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 110-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 24: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks drives against Shane Larkin #8 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 110-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Ron Baker

The New York Knicks re-signed Ron Baker to a two-year deal worth $8.9 million during the 2017-18 NBA regular season. Injuries prevented Baker from contributing early, but opportunity knocks with Tim Hardaway Jr. out for two weeks.

Baker’s positional versatility bodes well for him, as head coach Jeff Hornacek should be able to utilize him in a number of different lineups.

Baker isn’t the most productive player in the NBA, but he can fill in admirably if he plays his game. That may sound like a simple statement, but the Knicks have already benefited from Baker’s unselfish approach to two-way execution.

Not only does Baker work to get his teammates involved and stay in front of his man, but he holds his teammates accountable with his approach to the game.

When Baker is locked in on defense, it’s easier to notice the players who aren’t quite as committed to the cause. When he has the ball in his hands, his first instinct is to involve his teammates—and, as of late, he’s even begun to expand his shooting range.

For what it’s worth: In the brief sample size of 87 minutes with Baker on the court, the Knicks have outscored opponents by 7.7 points per 100 possessions.

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