New York Knicks: Three reasons to love the John Jenkins signing

1. Puts pressure on others to step up

Losing guard depth via trade seemed to relieve the clutter in the New York Knicks’ rotation. That was until Kadeem Allen‘s call-up and stellar play, Dennis Smith Jr. playing admirably and John Jenkins receiving 25 minutes and this new contract.

The Knicks may have their point guard for the rest of the season, but who plays next to Smith Jr. in the backcourt remains to be seen, thus creating a battle to stay on the court.

If head coach David Fizdale likes Jenkins enough, it puts pressure on Allen, Dotson and Trier to step up. Allen has, Dotson has been streaky and Trier’s numbers have dipped since a 31-point breakout.

Anything to provide an incentive for others to step up, but what if it’s Jenkins that plays above them? Given Fizdale’s volatile rotations throughout the season, it’s realistic, especially considering Emmanuel Mudiay‘s rise to starter in November.

The 27 year-old guard is the best shooter of this bunch. If Fizdale wants someone to spread the ball off Smith or Mudiay, he can eventually start Jenkins. It would be an upset, but if Dotson and Trier are inconsistent, and as this team sits 11-47, what is there to lose?

If this scenario can force players to step up, maybe it will give Knicks fans something extra for hope beyond this season. They need players to surround whoever joins via free agency, and some of who’s in place may be it.