New York Knicks: The statistics that explain Jarrett Jack’s value
New York Knicks point guard Jarrett Jack has become a divisive figure in the NBA, but there’s one statistic that firmly establishes his value to the team.
The New York Knicks have divided a fan base by starting Jarrett Jack at the point guard position. While some understand the value of a veteran in such a situation, others are questioning how Jeff Hornacek could utilize jack in such a prominent role.
For as fair as most of the criticism may be, there’s one set of statistics that should explain why Jack is receiving as much playing time as he is—and it’s all about Kristaps Porzingis.
Thus far in 2017-18, Porzingis is averaging 25.4 points per 36 minutes on a slash line of .455/.408/.842 when Jack is on the floor. When Jack is on the sideline, however, Porzingis is averaging 25.3 points per 36 minutes on a slash line of .393/.348/.760.
The difference between Porzingis playing with and without Jack is the 7’3″ phenom performing like an All-Star or looking like a player who’s out of his depth.
One could fairly interpret these results as Porzingis simply benefiting from having a pass-first point guard. That much is true for a vast majority of scorers, let alone a 22-year-old big man who’s being asked to carry a prominent franchise.
Trey Burke and Frank Ntilikina could conceivably fill that role, but there’s a reality that must be acknowledged: Thus far, no point guard has helped Porzingis more than Jack.
The idea of playing Ntilikina through his inconsistencies is one that most Knicks fans agree with. The hurdle that Hornacek has encountered, however, is that Ntilikina hasn’t been able to help Porzingis develop in the way that Jack has—not yet, at least.
It would be one thing if Porzingis were established as an offensive player, but there’s forgotten context to be remembered: He isn’t.
Porzingis is facing double teams on a nightly basis for the first time in his NBA career. He’s no longer being tasked with getting by or shooting over the first defender, but figuring out how to beat the help defense that’s all but guaranteed to arrive once he does.
Until the franchise player is comfortable in that role, nothing matters more than helping him find his identity as a No. 1 player—not even developing Ntilikina.
If Porzingis doesn’t become the elite No. 1 scoring option that the Knicks need him to be, this vision may fall flat on its face. New York can still become a postseason-caliber team, but winning a championship requires the presence of a reliable go-to scoring option.
Porzingis has played well overall, but as the numbers display, he’s at his best when Jack is on the court—and struggling to score efficiently when he isn’t.
Thus, while Jack certainly has his weaknesses, his value to the Knicks is how he helps the franchise player realize his potential. That may be a short-term role, but until Porzingis proves he can score at a high level without Jack’s presence, the veteran’s minutes must remain consistent.
That may be detrimental to the early development of Ntilikina, but if that proves to the the case, it’s because the French rookie isn’t learning the right lesson.
Ntilikina isn’t just along for the ride, but as the point guard, his top priority should be to make the game easier for his teammates. He’s certainly excelled on defense in 2017-18, but he’s still finding himself on offense.
That’s a fine and forgivable reality, but helping Porzingis navigate his way out of cold stretches and back into the mentality of a confident scorer is of unparalleled importance.
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Thus, while Jarrett Jack may not be the future of the point guard position, he’s helping the New York Knicks do what matters most: Develop Kristaps Porzingis.
Nothing matters more.