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New York Knicks: Players who need more playing time

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – JANUARY 25: Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the New York Knicks on January 25, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 25: Emmanuel Mudiay #0 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the New York Knicks on January 25, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Emmanuel Mudiay

Position: Point Guard
Age: 21 (3/5/1996)
Slash Line: .401/.373/.808
Season Averages: 17.9 MPG, 8.5 PPG, 2.9 APG, 2.2 RPG, 0.9 3PM

With less than an hour remaining until the 2018 NBA trade deadline, the New York Knicks struck a stunning deal. With multiple second-round draft picks to spare, New York traded for former Denver Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay.

While Mudiay may not have any past experience with the Knicks, it will be pivotal for head coach Jeff Hornacek to give his new point guard extended run.

Mudiay received an average of just 17.9 minutes per game during his 42 outings with the Nuggets in 2017-18. He produced well during that time, even posting the best field goal, three-point field goal, and free throw percentages of his NBA career.

It’s also worth noting that his current season averages translate to marks of 17.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 1.8 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.

As for how he fits with the Knicks, Mudiay may be the only player on this roster who can consistently create penetration. Jarrett Jack leads the organization in drives per game at 8.0, which is testament enough to how desperately the team needs to improve.

Mudiay may not lead the team in minutes per game from hereon out, but if he’s playing less than 18 per game, New York won’t be able to determine his long-term value.

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