The New York Knicks need more shooters on this team. So let’s look at some of the available shooting guards through free agency.
*As noted in previous articles, this free agent piece is part of a series for all the positions. If you haven’t checked out the others, there is a piece on which New York Knicks will return and one on the point guards.*
Free agency is about a week away, and the New York Knicks need to add shooters. Now shooting guards and small forwards have been clumped as wings, but this piece is strictly about players designated as shooting guards this past season.
But before we get into the top five options, let’s go through some honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions
Alec Burks: As mentioned in the free agent article, Alec Burks was solid for the Knicks this past season, even with his inconsistency. He probably won’t return because it is unlikely that both he and Reggie Bullock are re-signed, and Bullock seems to have more interest from the team. However, if Bullock isn’t brought back, then there is a higher likelihood of Burks returning.
Theo Pinson: I don’t see the Knicks letting go of the guy who brings the energy and is the spirit of this team. Long live Theo Pinson!
Gary Trent Jr.: It’s doubtful that New York could make a move for Gary Trent Jr. The Toronto Raptors traded Norman Powell (an unrestricted free agent) for Trent (a restricted free agent) so that they could 1) replace Powell and 2) match any offer for the up-and-coming shooting guard. However, if Trent were available, he’d jump to number one on this list.
DeMar DeRozan: There was consideration for having DeMar DeRozan in the top five. He’s still been effective late into his career because he continues to create his own shot within the arc. However, because he’s ball-dominant and unable to stretch the floor, that doesn’t seem like a good match for Julius Randle and RJ Barrett if they’re the focal point of the team’s offense.
Now, if you’re wondering why Bullock isn’t on this list, it’s because he was considered a small forward and not a shooting guard. So he’ll be in the next piece.
New York Knicks’ Top Five Shooting Guard Free Agents
5. Josh Hart
Current Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Free Agent Status: Restricted Free Agent
2020-21 Statistical Averages: 9.2 points, 8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 43.9 field goal percentage, 32.6 three-point percentage, & 77.5 free throw percentage.
Josh Hart would be an excellent addition to this young Knicks team because he is known for his defense, rebounding, and three-point shooting potential. Essentially, most of the elements that Tom Thibodeau is looking for in a wing role player.
When watching Hart play, it’s more than evident that his defense is his bread and butter. He isn’t known as a shutdown defender, but he is good enough to consistently make life difficult for opponents. Regardless if he’s on or off the ball.
While he’s on ball, he rarely lets guys blow by him or get off a clean shot. And while off the ball, he makes the proper rotations, guards the passing lanes, and crashes the boards (that’s why he averaged 8 boards per game).
On offense, Hart is average. He won’t shoot the lights out, but he won’t crumble your team either.
Most of Hart’s scoring comes from either driving to the basket or getting open catch and shoot looks while in transition. According to Cleaning the Glass, Hart ranked in the 78th percentile in all transition scoring amongst wings. And that’s because the Pelicans were a +1 in points per possession while he was on the floor.
Hart was successful in transition scoring because of his rebounding, yet again. Hart’s ability to track down the ball and either push the pace himself or pass the ball to the right player so that he can fly down the court is what’s desirable about him as a player.
Because of Hart’s incredible rebounding skills, he was in the 92nd percentile in scoring off live rebounds amongst wings – the Pelicans were +1.6 point per possession while he was on the floor.
The one area of concern with Hart is that his three-point shooting. His numbers took a dip from last season. However, Hart notes that he’s aware that he wasn’t in rhythm this past season, but he seems optimistic that he can bounce back.
Since Hart is a restricted free agent, the Knicks would have to make an offer the Pelicans wouldn’t match or be willing to execute a sign and trade – his qualifying offer is $5.2 million. There is no telling how much Hart will command this offseason, but if the Knicks must pay more than $8 million annually, then they should probably pump the breaks.
If New York intends to utilize a sign and trade, then moving either Frank Ntilikina or Kevin Knox would be worth it (and maybe a second-round pick). Anything more than that and the Knicks should look in a different direction.
4. Bryn Forbes
Current Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Free Agent Status: Can opt out of his contract to be an Unrestricted Free Agent
2020-21 Statistical Averages: 10 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 47.3 field goal percentage, 45.2 three-point percentage, & 77 free throw percentage.
Bryn Forbes, the newly crowned NBA Champion, is mainly a three-point shooter. Sure, he can put the ball on the floor and take some step-back mid-range jumpers or take it to the cup. But more than anything else, he just shoots threes. And there is nothing wrong with adding more three-point shooters.
The best aspect about Forbes’ shooting ability is that he can score from either catch and shoot or off pull-ups. Based on NBA Advanced Stats, Forbes averaged 46.3 percent from catch and shoot three-pointers and averaged 39.6 percent from pull-up threes.
What makes Forbes a lethal shooter is his quick shot. Forbes can quickly set his feet and has a quick release. With these intangibles, he is difficult for opponents to defend because it’s hard to match his movement and stay in front of him.
The issue with Forbes is his defense. His lack of consistency to stay in front of his matchup is what’s concerning. Too many times, Forbes will get beat off the dribble or be out of position on a rotation on help defense.
Essentially, New York would take a gamble that everyone else can pick up the defensive while Forbes is torching opponents from deep on offense.
Looking at his previous contracts, Forbes signed a two-year $4.8 million contract. With his best shooting performance this season AND being a champion, he is probably due for a three or four-year contract worth $10 – $12 million annually. If the Knicks were to sign him, he’d most likely play with the second unit, which he did in Milwaukee.
3. Evan Fournier
Current Team: Boston Celtics
Free Agent Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
2020-21 Statistical Averages: 17.1 points, 3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 45.7 field goal percentage, 41.3 three-point percentage, & 78.8 free throw percentage.
Evan Fournier was rumored to the Knicks before the trade deadline of the 2020-21 season. However, New York decided to stand pat, and the Boston Celtics were the ones to make the trade for the Frenchman.
Fournier is known for his ability to shoot from deep. Though, he can also create a little off the dribble, whether that’s finding his shot from behind the arc or taking it to the rack.
Fournier is able to play-make as well. As he demonstrated on the Orlando Magic, he was another initiator for the offense, even before Markel Fultz and Cole Anthony joined the team.
The most notable play run by Fournier is probably curling around the screen from the wing, driving down the middle of the lane to the basket, and then finding his teammate open for a corner three.
Fournier is also a solid defender. Unfortunately, this past season wasn’t a good indication of how he can play because he was injured for part of the season. But a healthy Fournier should be able to play defense at the high level he’s known for.
As a defender, Fournier is better off-ball than he is on. He’s capable of attacking the passing lanes with good anticipation and providing solid help-defense on rotations.
He isn’t the best at staying in front of his defender. But he’s good enough where he won’t cost you most possessions (unlike Forbes).
If the Knicks went with Evan Fournier, he’d be an upgrade over Burks or Bullock. And based on Fournier’s previous contract (5 years, $85 million), he’d probably earn a three or four-year contract for $15 million a year (or somewhere in that range). Although, it’s very well possible that he could take a one-year prove-it deal to get one more significant contract.
2. Malik Monk
Current Team: Charlotte Hornets
Free Agent Status: Restricted Free Agent
2020-21 Statistical Averages: 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 43.4 field goal percentage, 40.1 three-point percentage, & 81.9 free throw percentage.
Malik Monk is another player that was mentioned in previous trade rumors. Most recently, it was prior to the trade deadline during the 2019-20 season when there were talks of shipping Julius Randle and Dennis Smith Jr. and getting Monk or Terry Rozier in return. Thankfully, that deal didn’t happen and the Knicks kept Randle.
Monk offers his three-level scoring versatility, which is needed on the Knicks. After watching New York struggle to score in the playoffs, Monk would undoubtedly help resolve that issue.
The concern with Monk is that he isn’t an efficient scorer. He does have good three-point shooting numbers and can create within the paint. But the reason his averages on paper look good is that, just like Burks, he will get hot one game and then cold the next. That’s why Monk ranked in the 63rd percentile in effective field goal percentage amongst wings – he averaged a 54.5 effective field goal percentage.
A minor concern with Monk is his defensive effort because there are some cases where he makes the business decision to take plays off. But when Monk is locked in, he’s a good defender.
Monk’s improvement on defense this season should be noted, particularly his off-ball effort. Likewise, his on-ball action has picked up, but he cannot defend opponents at a high level because he is an undersized shooting guard.
Malik Monk would probably command a contract of three years between $40 – $50 million in total. This type of deal wouldn’t be terrible for a player who appears to have found his footing in the NBA and could provide some microwave scoring.
If the Knicks decide to sign Monk, it would be interesting to see if he starts or comes off the bench. Either way should work out just fine.
1. Norman Powell
Current Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Free Agent Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
2020-21 Statistical Averages: 18.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 47.7 field goal percentage, 41.1 three-point percentage, & 87.1 free throw percentage.
Norman Powell would be the ideal option as a 3&D player for the Knicks. He could help elevate the starting unit with his play and would provide a veteran presence, especially since he’s an NBA Champion.
Powell was one of the instrumental players when the Raptors won the title during the 2018-19 season. Granted, he was traded this season to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood (mainly Trent Jr.).
But don’t get it twisted. As I mentioned in the beginning, the Raptors traded Powell because Trent is a restricted free agent. Meaning that Toronto can match any other team’s offer for Trent instead of losing Powell for nothing. Also, Trent is a younger 3&D wing that may be cheaper.
Powell will draw many suitors because of his offense. He’s a versatile wing that is good at the catch shoot, pull-ups with and without screens, and can drive to the basket. According to NBA Advanced Stats, Powell averaged 42.8 percent from catch and shoot three-pointers and averaged 38.5 percent from pull-up threes. And on drives, he averaged a 49.6 field goal percentage.
Now on the other end of the court, Powell is a decent defender. He’s serviceable to the extent that Tom Thibodeau wouldn’t be banging his head against the wall watching film.
Some will point out that Powell is an undersized shooting guard because he stands at 6’3″. However, with his 6’11” wingspan, his reach helps makes up for his height. That’s why he played small forward while he was in Toronto and Portland.
If the Knicks did decide to go with Norman Powell, he’d command a three to four-year contract earning between $20 to $25 million annually. Now, he’d be worth the money because of how good of a 3&D wing he is. Also, the market is pretty bare of players of his caliber, so his price range could increase because of supply and demand reasons.
Conclusion
There are some viable options for the Knicks to improve at shooting guard. But, of course, this positional need is based on if New York wants to slot RJ Barret in as the small forward or if they’re looking for a backup.
Some other players considered for this article were Tim Hardaway Jr., Victor Oladipo, Danny Green, JJ Reddick, and Wesley Matthews.
I didn’t include Hardaway because it’s unlikely that he would want to re-sign with a team that traded him twice. Granted, this is a new front office. But it feels strange for a player to re-sign with a team for the third time that didn’t truly value their time here.
With regards to Oladipo, it’s unlikely that Knicks want to take a gamble on an injury-prone player who hasn’t demonstrated that they’re capable of playing like two-time NBA All-Star they once were.
And as for Green, Reddick, and Matthews, I didn’t consider them because it makes sense that the Knicks want younger players that could grow with the core (Barrett, Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and so forth).
Let us know who you would want the New York Knicks to sign at shooting guard in free agency in the comment section below or in the social media comments section of where this piece is posted!
