New York Knicks: Point guard power rankings

3. Ron Baker

Ron Baker was a potential roster-cut candidate, given his absence for most of the 2017-18 season due to injury. However, the former Wichita State guard impressed Fizdale, enough to earn a starting spot in the preseason finale and likely placement on the opening night roster.

Baker will never be known for statistical output. Instead, in a bench role, he provides defensive tenacity, with the ability to hustle for the gritty work that supplements the scorers. It comes in spurts, since he won’t consume a heavy dosage of time, but enough to make an impact.

There’s likely not a starting spot in line for Baker, despite the opportunity against Brooklyn, which resulted in four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. He did a little of everything, which is what the Knicks can expect moving forward.

For now, Baker should line up as the No. 3 point guard. It might not result in consistent playing time, but he earned this role with play that doesn’t appear on the stat sheet.

Will this last forever? Maybe not, if Mudiay steps up or the Knicks acquire another guard. It doesn’t have to be at the 1 spot, but let’s see how the coaching staff utilizes Baker.