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New York Knicks: Emmanuel Mudiay focused on improving on defense

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in action against Emmanuel Mudiay #1 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2018 in New York City. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 132-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in action against Emmanuel Mudiay #1 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2018 in New York City. The Raptors defeated the Knicks 132-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks point guard Emmanuel Mudiay has the physical tools to become an influential defender. Mudiay claims he’s willing to put the work in.

The New York Knicks are in the midst of a season that could lead to sweeping changes this coming offseason. The signs of progress have become minimal in their nature, thus resulting in the widespread belief that the current group doesn’t have what it takes to develop into a contender.

There’s still untapped potential to explore, however, and point guard Emmanuel Mudiay is hoping to show that he’s a project worth completing.

Mudiay is a 6’5″ point guard with high-level athleticism and advanced court vision—traits that enable him to create for others from unique angles. In addition to struggling as a shooter, however, Mudiay has been consistently criticized for his lackluster effort on defense.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Mudiay is focused on improving his defense and allowing the offense to come to him organically.

"“I’m trying to build something going into next year, trying to compete at a high level, been real focused defensively,’’ Mudiay said. “That’s been one of my big focuses. Go out there and compete on the defensive end and let the offense come when it comes. I have the size and feel I can be a pretty good defender.’’"

Mudiay has the physical tools to become a high-quality defender, which makes execution a matter of commitment and effort.

Standing at 6’5″ with a near 6’9″ wingspan and high-level athleticism, Mudiay should at least be able to contest shots on a consistent basis. Even if he struggles to defend players who are smaller than he, getting a hand in a shooter’s face should be something he excels at doing.

It’s been a consistent issue during his brief NBA career, however, and head coach Jeff Hornacek has yet to discover how to ensure that Mudiay’s effort is consistent.

Some will put that on the head coach and others on the player, but the reality remains that Mudiay will not realize his potential until his effort increases and stabilizes.

Mudiay currently ranks dead last amongst all point guards in the NBA in Defensive Real Plus-Minus with a mark of -4.20. For perspective, no other point guard has eclipsed -3.50 during the 2017-18 NBA regular season.

Thankfully, Mudiay appears to have realized how much better he should be on the defensive end of the floor given his size and athleticism.

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If Emmanuel Mudiay opts to put in the necessary work on defense, he could become a legitimate building block for the New York Knicks.

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