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New York Knicks: Who could be affected by Allonzo Trier’s contract?

By Alex Rubinfeld

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the game on October 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Allonzo Trier #14 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the game on October 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Ron Baker

If the New York Knicks don’t wish to part ways with their project big man, Ron Baker could be the odd man out with Trier’s new contract looming. Just like Kornet, there’s laud for Baker’s obvious support on the defensive side of the ball with his constant hustle, and the apparent respect his teammates and coaching staff have for him.

Unlike Kornet, though, the former Wichita State Shocker has actually had playing time this season. This was more the case at the beginning of the season where he was seeing anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes a game while filling in for Mudiay, who was still recovering from a sprained ankle.

Baker could be given some of Burke’s minutes as he rehabs from his aforementioned injury, but those minutes will most likely be mixed between Ntilikina and Lee. Baker’s minutes will be contingent upon those guards play while Burke is out. But there is good reason for Baker’s absent playing time.

Baker’s unselfish play may get his teammates more involved when he’s on the court, similar to Ntilikina’s game, but he is seeing himself shoot worse numbers than the French guard, which seems almost impossible. Granted, Baker has not seen nearly as much playing time and shot opportunities as Ntilikina, but his shot has never been his strength since coming into the league, despite being a capable shooter at Wichita State.

The main factor keeping the Knicks’ guard on the roster would be his contributions in practice and his injury insurance similar to Kornet’s. His contract only has one year left with $4.5 million remaining, but that should be a minimal factor in the decision process.

Baker is a fan favorite among many Knicks’ fans, and has never had an issue with teammates over the past years. He was even given the name Ron “Burgundy” Baker from Carmelo Anthony. But all of this still leaves the question of whether a player who has immense hustle and a positive social image to Knicks’ fans and his teammates would be enough for him to remain on the roster over Kornet.

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Afterthoughts: It is unlikely that Kornet or Baker will likely be a part of their longterm plan, or even for next season’s plans. Waiving either one of them allows the Knicks to clear roster space for Trier, and also take their time deciding on a possible trades after Trier’s 45 days are up to help with future cap room or future picks.

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