3 Reasons why the New York Knicks should MOSTLY run it back

Knicks: Floor-Spacing Wings

Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks have been key pieces of the team’s resurgence this year, and both are hitting unrestricted free agency. Despite playing the same position, both players have vastly different styles of play. However, the one thing they have in common is shooting prowess.

Bullock has transformed into the prototypical 3&D wing that every playoff team covets after struggling with his shot much of last season due to his recovery from shoulder surgery.

The 30-year old forward is canning 40.7% of his triples while also serving as the squad’s best perimeter defender. His defense isn’t flashy and he doesn’t rack up steals or blocks, but he almost always holds his ground when tasked with guarding every opponent’s top-scoring wing.

Bullock was extremely hesitant with his shot to start the year and it often hurt the team’s spacing, but lately, he’s been letting it fly and defenses are forced to take notice. After averaging just 4.4 three-point attempts over his first 19 games (34.9% shooting) he’s averaging 6.7 attempts through his last 35 appearances (42.7% shooting).

Alec Burks doesn’t offer the same defensive prowess, but his shot creation has been crucial for a Knicks team that can sometimes be desperate for offense when Julius Randle sits. Burks is shooting 40.8% from behind the arc this season, including 45.5% on corner threes.

28.1% of his made threes have been unassisted, the second-highest mark on the team behind breakout rookie Immanuel Quickley.

Burks has also been deadly in the 4th quarter, repeatedly coming up clutch when the team needs a basket in the worst way. He’s shooting 42.3% from deep in 4th quarters this season and has shot a combined 6-8 from the field in overtime, including 2-2 from three.

Burks and Bullock have also provided spacing for Randle and RJ Barrett to drive into the paint and finish at the rim. They’re a major reason why the Knicks are currently 5th in the NBA in three-point percentage. The front office would be wise to bring both of them back for next season.