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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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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his shot as head coach Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz looks on from the bench in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15: Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates his shot as head coach Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz looks on from the bench in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Courtney Lee

One could argue that Courtney Lee will face more pressure to perform than anyone else on the roster. The 10-year veteran has the tools to replace Tim Hardaway Jr.’s production, and has even begun to do so in recent weeks.

With Hardaway now ruled out for the foreseeable future, however, Lee must step up and provide the contributions expected of a veteran in his position on a nightly basis.

Lee is an excellent three-point shooter, a capable slasher, and an underrated passer who can create for his teammates. He’s not a lockdown defender, but his effort is consistent and his vocal leadership has been invaluable.

That’s enabled Lee to post career-best averages in points (12.7), rebounds (3.7), assists (2.9), steals (1.4), and three-point field goals made (1.6) per game.

For as well as Lee’s playing, he’ll need to reach another level with Hardaway gone. He shouldn’t force the issue, but Porzingis needs a reliable No. 2 scoring option, and there may not be a more qualified player on the Knicks to fill that role than Lee.

For what it’s worth: Over the course of the past 12 outings, Lee is averaging 15.7 points in 32.6 minutes per game on a slash line of .552/.488/.889.

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