New York Knicks: Scott Perry addresses three-point shooting concerns

The New York Knicks have questions behind the arc, but general manager Scott Perry looked to clear them up.

The NBA has taken a three-point shooting approach over the past few seasons, as the idea of success or failure by the outside attempt no longer seems outrageous, thanks to what the Golden State Warriors pull off. The New York Knicks, however, don’t fit this mold yet.

In the 2017-18 season, New York shot 35.2 percent from three-point range—good for 25th in the NBA. They were 21st the year before at 34.8 percent, and even with Carmelo Anthony and a healthy Kristaps Porzingis around.

To start 2018-19, Porzingis, who shot 39.5 percent from three-point range, won’t be available; Michael Beasley averaged the same, and departed for the Los Angeles Lakers; potential leading scorer, Tim Hardaway Jr., only connected on 31.7 percent from the outside.

So, three-point shooting concerns will accompany the Knicks this fall, but general manager Scott Perry expressed optimism in an MSG Networks interview:

"“We hope a number of these guys [make three-pointers]. Tim Hardaway is coming back, and a guy who’s capable from that range. We brought in Mario Hezonja as a free agent who has that ability. Our draft pick, Kevin Knox, we think, will develop into that type of shooter. I think, this summer a number of our guys have worked to get better from that area; our guards, Burke, Mudiay, Ntilikina. Courtney Lee, who had a career year shooting the three ball last year. So we think we’ve got some people in place that can make them, and I know that’s a big focal point of coach Fizdale and his staff…”"

Given Perry’s comments, the public not only realized the Knicks’ three-point shooting problems, but the front office and the coaching staff, with David Fizdale’s desire to work with players to improve their outside game.

Hezonja, who Perry noted, shot 33.2 percent from long distance in his three NBA seasons, with a 33.7 mark in 2017-18. With his 6-foot-8 frame, he could provide an intriguing blend of size and shooting at multiple positions for New York.

The point guards offer some concern from three-point distance. Trey Burke hit 36.2 percent of his shots, but in just 36 games, while Frank Ntilikina marginally crossed 30 percent and Emmanuel Mudiay shot just 19.6 percent after the midseason trade from the Denver Nuggets.

If the Knicks find something consistent from two of the three guards, it can take them a step forward, especially if Hezonja performs well, Courtney Lee follows up on his impressive totals and how Kevin Knox adjusts to the NBA.

There’s a long way to go to determine where the New York Knicks stand amongst other NBA teams in this area. They may not ascend to Warriors or Houston Rockets levels, but a goal to place in the middle of the pack seems realistic.