NY Knicks: Should the Knicks make a run at Dennis Schroder?

It’s no secret that the NY Knicks could desperately use an upgrade at the point guard position.

Elfrid Payton, Derrick Rose, and Immanuel Quickley all have had their moments but none of them is a quality starter.

Frank Ntilikina doesn’t even play when the roster is healthy and this is likely his last year on the team.

The Knicks have been tied to Lonzo Ball throughout this season but a new name that has been recently tied to the Knicks is Dennis Schroder.

According to SNY, “Schroder is among the players on New York’s radar as the club looks ahead to free agency”.

He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2021 offseason, so he is a player the Knicks can outright sign this summer.

Should the NY Knicks pursue Dennis Schroder in the offseason?

He would be a huge upgrade for the Knicks at the point guard position. Schroder’s 15 points and 5 assists per game average doesn’t appear eye-popping but his high-level play on both ends of the floor has kept the Lakers afloat in the absence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

On the offensive end, Schroder wreaks havoc on opposing defenses by constantly getting in the paint, where he’ll either score at the rim or set up his teammates for an easy basket.

He has always been one of the quickest point guards in the league. Even going back to his Atlanta Hawks days, he always got in the paint at will.

His ability to constantly beat defenders to the rim bodes well for the Lakers’ offense because he’s constantly setting his teammates up for catch-and-shoot opportunities from 3.

In the Knicks’ recent victory over the Lakers, Dennis Schroder abused Elfrid Payton all game, finishing with 21 points on 7 of 13 shooting.

Schroder has also been great for the lakers on the defensive end. He picks up opposing point guards from fullcourt and he gets in the passing lanes where he often draws steals and deflections.

He may only be about 6’1 but thanks to his super long 6’8 wingspan and grit he’s a force on the defensive end.

Schroder has played a significant role on a Lakers defense that ranks number 1 in the league.

Schroeder’s high-level defensive play would definitely be a welcomed sight for head coach Tom Thibodeau.

He would undoubtedly be a huge upgrade for the Knicks at point guard but of course, the price for him matters as well.

According to ESPN, Dennis turned down a 4 year 84 million dollar extension from the Lakers, which amounts to about 21 million a year.

Schroder would be a great addition but if he wants significantly more than 21 million a season then the Knicks will likely be better off looking to acquire someone else.