New York Knicks: One expectation for each 2019 NBA free agent signing

Wayne Ellington: Bench scoring

Wayne Ellington‘s role and expectation with the New York Knicks is simple but necessary towards this team’s improvement in the 2019-20 season: provide bench scoring.

The Knicks have players like Allonzo Trier and Damyean Dotson for depth, but neither are the knockdown shooter Ellington is. They could develop in time, but insurance at least exists here.

Averaging over 24 minutes per game since the 2014-15 season, the veteran guard might find trouble replicating that, given the glut of talent that warrant playing time. It could float in the ballpark of 20 minutes, as a reserve to complement whoever starts in the backcourt.

Ellington is good for eight to 10 points per game, and that is all the Knicks should expect out of him on this contract, for a smaller role. If needed, he can spot start due to injury, which happened often in 2018-19.

Ellington is a career 37.9 percent shooter from behind the arc, as well. The Knicks made just 34 percent of their attempts last season. Addressing this area was a given for the franchise this offseason, and this player should lead the charge in modernizing the Knicks playing style.