New York Knicks: Avoiding a sophmore slump for Tom Thibodeau

New York Knicks: Improving the offense:

For most of the regular season, the New York Knicks were ranked at the bottom of the league in both three-pointers made and attempted. However, Thibs’ Knicks showed some improvement in these areas, especially in three-point percentage. By the end of the season, the orange and blue ranked 21st in three-pointers attempted and THIRD in three-point percentage. Not exactly a stat you would associate with a Thibs coached team, but the man can adjust.

The video below highlights several different offensive sets geared towards getting Julius Randle an open three-point shot. The common denominator in all of them…good screens from the big man.

Unfortunately for the New York Knicks, Nerlens Noel may have played himself into a larger contract. The six-foot-eleven center was the defensive backbone for parts of the season and was a steal for the Knicks at $5 million this past season. Similarly, Taj Gibson, who led the Knicks in screen assists and screen assists points was signed to a one-year deal and he will also be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

While it’s been rumored that Gibson could be back with the Knicks, Leon Rose will need to canvas the free-agent market for bigs that can set good screens. Ivica Zubac, Richaun Holmes, and Serge Ibaka are all valid options, however, they might be a bit out of range in terms of price for a backup center. Dwight Howard in what would be his 18th season in the NBA, might just be what the doctor ordered as a substitute for Mitchell Robinson if Gibson doesn’t re-sign.