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New York Knicks: 3 under the radar free agent targets

By Jeffrey Bellone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Aron Baynes #46 of the Phoenix Suns blocks out Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks during a free throw in the first half at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2020 in New York City.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Aron Baynes #46 of the Phoenix Suns blocks out Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks during a free throw in the first half at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2020 in New York City.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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 10: Aron Baynes #46 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the first half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on March 10, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers topped the Phoenix Suns, 121-105. 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. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Knicks under the radar target: Aron Baynes

Another veteran player who isn’t going to be a long-term solution for the Knicks, but could be the type of piece that helps proves beneficial in both a production and mentoring role is Aron Baynes.

The eight-year veteran is coming off one of his best statistical seasons, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists while playing for the Suns. While his usage percentage had a lot to do with that, there was a tweak to his game that could prove quite valuable in the open market: three-point shooting.

Baynes went from being a big man who occasionally shoots a three to someone who launches four per game. Perhaps he would be the perfect role model for Mitchell Robinson who has been reluctant to showcase his perimeter shot outside of isolated workout videos.

While Baynes uses more brute strength than Robinson currently possesses, the little things the veteran big man does well are all things that Robinson needs to master to take his game to the next level. That is setting screens, boxing out, finding the right spots to stand on the court as the offense moves around him, and expanding his own offense to develop an outside shot.

The challenge in adding Baynes for coach Tom Thibodeau would be juggling his lineups to utilize the veteran at his natural position without sacrificing playing time for Mitchell Robinson. As long as Baynes continues to improve his perimeter shot, it’s possible he could play next to Mitch as a floor-spacing big, but that would create problems matching up on defense.

Baynes averaged 22 minutes per game this past season. He is used to playing in a bench capacity. If the Knicks want to add him as a productive mentor, they can find ways to make the lineups work.

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