New York Knicks: Five free agents to attempt to sign in 2018

David Nwaba

Yes, the last thing the New York Knicks need is another guard on this crowded roster. Yes, the Knicks have three players competing for the starting point guard job in Trey Burke, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Frank Ntilikina, and three quality off-guards in Damyean Dotson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Courtney Lee.

If the Knicks are looking to establish a defensive-minded culture, however, then they must not pretend that anyone on the roster has proven anything beyond the existence of potential.

Nwaba is essentially a Marcus Smart type of guard in the sense that he can defend multiple positions, but doesn’t provide much on offense. He’s an impressive athlete with a muscular frame and the ability to finish at the rim, however, as well the mechanics to develop a solid outside shot.

More importantly: Nwaba could be paired with Frank Ntilikina to form one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA during key situations.

Both Ntilikina and Nwaba must improve on offense, which is the obvious holdup here. The latter is essentially a more athletic version of Ron Baker, however, only with a better handle and the potential to develop into a high-quality two-way combo guard.

I won’t die on any hill for this signing, but I’m of the belief that Nwaba can make an NBA team better—and that includes a Knicks team that’s flooded with guards.

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Regardless of what transpires this summer, the New York Knicks will have a chance to add quality pieces.