New York Knicks: Players for Ignas Brazdeikis to study in isolation

Klay Thompson

If your goal is to become a starting-caliber shooting guard in the modern NBA, use Klay Thompson as your standard. Few will reach Thompson’s level, but the role that he’s carved out for himself is that of a crucial piece of a championship puzzle.

Brazdeikis has work to do before he’s a shooter of Thompson’s caliber, but aiming to be a marksman who also provides tremendous value on defense should be the goal.

Brazdeikis, like Thompson, is a 6’6″ shooting guard who tormented defenses with his three-point shooting in college. Thompson has since gone on to become one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, with a combination of work ethic and toughness that garners leaguewide praise.

The key to Thompson’s success in that regard is his willingness to operate without the ball in his hands, as well as his picture-perfect form as a shooter.

If Brazdeikis is able to emulate Thompson’s form, he’d be emulating Allan Houston’s form—which we’ve already established would be a good thing. The next step would be following suit on defense, where Thompson uses his length and fundamentals to thrive.

Everything about Thompson’s success can be accredited to hard work and an emphasis on fundamental basketball—the ultimate compliment—which means Brazdeikis is capable of achieving the same.

It’s up to Ignas Brazdeikis and the New York Knicks to ensure that he has the necessary resources to maximize that potential.