NY Knicks: Top 5 end of the bench fan favorites since 2010

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Oct 3, 2018; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Ron Baker (31) and Brooklyn Nets forward guard Jordan McLaughlin (0) battle for a loose ball during the second half of a preseason game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Knicks end-of-bench favorites: Ron Baker

A second Wichita State alumnus tops off our list—what were the chances!?

Give it up for Ron Baker, the ultimate end-of-the-bench favorite during the 2010’s for the New York Knicks.

As you might expect, Baker wasn’t exactly a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school. He had been visiting a bunch of Division II schools throughout the Midwest, but deep down, he knew he could play college basketball on a much higher level.

The Wichita State seed was planted just after Baker’s junior year of high school, where he had a chance to play in front of Shockers head coach Gregg Marshall.

"“I kept telling my staff, there’s something about that kid with the curly hair that intrigues me,” Marshall said (via Bleacher Report)."

Baker walked on his first season for the Shockers, and it wasn’t a given that he would ever see the court. However, once he did play, he became a fixture in March due to his poise and toughness. He ended up staying all four years, which can be viewed as a strike against NBA prospects these days, but Baker wouldn’t have had it any other way.

"“I don’t regret not coming out,” Baker said (via NBA.com). “I think if I had to do it all over again with the new rule, my sophomore year I would’ve tried and went to the combine and done those things younger guys can do now. The decision I made was for the best. When I made those decisions, I thought it was a win-win.”"

This resume was enough for the Knicks to give him a chance, and with his trademark (and sometimes unkempt) blonde hair, he’d streak up and down the court giving nothing less than full effort. While he was outmatched physically by many of his opponents, Knicks fans knew that Baker would give it his all, which is all we can ask for as loyal faithful.

If you’d like to take a deeper dive into what made Baker so special (and how could you ever pass up that opportunity) I’d highly recommend (re)reading Brad Weir’s piece showcasing Baker’s grit, determination, and black eye while trying to stop an Anthony Davis poster.

Next. 4 options for the 38th pick. dark

Ron Baker tops our list for the top five end-of-the-bench fan favorites since 2010. Thanks for reading!