NY Knicks CAA Files: Restricted Free Agents Leon Rose might target

Restricted free agents with CAA connections: DeAndre’ Bembry

Jones’ teammate DeAndre’ Bembry, drafted 21st overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, is a bit more seasoned than the former. Through the 2019-20 season, Bembry’s become the longest tenured Atlanta Hawks player on the roster. He witnessed the Hawks reach the playoffs as a rookie and he’s seen the team fully approach a rebuild over the past few seasons. By default, the 25 year old Bembry’s a veteran on the team.

Due to Cam Reddish, DeAndre Hunter, & Kevin Huerter, Bembry’s minutes have dwindled over the past 2 seasons. Multiple injuries cut his season short at 43 games. During his limited minutes over the first four seasons, Bembry’s shown the ability to be a pest on defense while guarding multiple positions.

Additionally, he’s shown an innate ability to also handle the ball at his position. He often played the role as Trae Young’s backup point guard over the past 2 seasons. He has the ability to attack the paint and pass the ball with ease. He can also attack off-the-ball, often as the recipient of passes off cuts for ferocious dunks. His dunks have been a fan favorite over the past few season.

However, just like many players discussed in this series, Bembry’s significantly limited on the offensive end. His lack of offensive firepower significantly hampers his ceiling and does make him a questionable fit amongst a guard tandem that’s equally flawed on that end. His defensive virtues get exposed on teams that can’t defend and concurrently can’t score. The 2019-20 Hawks are a perfect example of that.

At the same time, defensive versatility is surely an invaluable asset, especially as teams improve and inch towards playoff contention. If the Knicks can surround themselves with more offensive firepower, taking a gamble on Bembry (at maybe 2 years $9 million) wouldn’t be the worst decision.