What will The Knicks do with Bullock, Burks, and Rose in the offseason?
By Adam Kester
Knicks: Reggie Bullock has started all season
Reggie Bullock has been the quintessential “3&D” wing player for The Knicks all season long. I’m not sure you’ll ever hear a player analysis ofReggie Bullock without the term “3&D”, and he’s taken it to a whole new level this season. Bullock has posted his best efficiency numbers since 2017-2018 – He’s shooting 40% from 3 and 42.7% from the field. He’s been a terrific catch-and-shoot option to play off of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett. He spaces the floor.
He’s been a very solid perimeter defender as well. Bullock has held opponents to shooting -6.2% worse than their average 3-point shooting percentage. On defense, he’s physical at the point of attack and he’s gotten the chance to take his game to another level under Tom Thibodeau.
It’s easy to forget that Bullock was on this team just last season. A much worse team and he was playing about 7 fewer minutes per game but also had missed most of the season due to injury. Now, he finds himself in a leadership role in New York while starting every night. So the big question is, will the Knicks retain Bullock for next season?
It’s hard to say what the market for Reggie Bullock will be this offseason. You know what you get with the 30-year-old wing: Defense and catch-and-shoot ability. Bullock does have extreme limitations with the balll in his hands. He’s not even a remotely capable playmaker, and he isn’t someone who creates their own shot.
Here’s a look at some deals from the last offseason for similar players:
- Jae Crowder (29 years old) 3 years, 30 million
- Moe Harkless (27 years old) 1 year, 3.6 million
- Kentavious Caldwell Pope (27 years old) 3 years, 40 million
These aren’t perfect player comps to Reggie Bullock, but rather the most similar level of players in terms of age and what they bring on the court.
I don’t believe Bullock will demand as much as ae Crowder or Caldwell-Pope, but he will want more than just a 1 year deal. He’s started every game he’s played for this team and he’s clearly a favorite of Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau will very clearly be banging the table to keep his veteran leader. He’s still got some prime left in his early 30s.