2017 NBA free agency grades: New York Knicks to re-sign Ron Baker

With holes to fill on a roster before them, the New York Knicks did not waste any time. They began 2017 NBA free agency by agreeing to bring back Ron Baker.

In the absence of departed team president Phil Jackson, New York Knicks general manager Steve Mills has taken on the task of luring free agents to the Big Apple. The veteran front office executive is faced with the task of convincing free agents that the problems that plagued last season’s club won’t continue in 2017-18.

A number of players from last year’s squad are also on the list of possible pieces to the new puzzle under Mills in his interim role as team owner James Dolan continues his search for Jackson’s successor.

Point guard Ron Baker was high on the team’s priority list for returning players and the restricted free agent did not last on the market very long. Baker was one of the few bright spots for a Knicks team plagued with poor play and numerous distractions off the court.

His hustle and high basketball IQ quickly made him a fan favorite and consistent part of the Knicks’ bench rotation under head coach Jeff Hornacek. Hornacek spoke highly about Baker’s contributions to the team earlier last season in an post game press conference highlighting his versatility.

"“He’s got the size, sometimes guys get rattled if a team gets physical and they start knocking you around and you’re falling over and doing that driving to the basket and they’re not calling fouls. Ron’s strong enough. He plays through that. He can finish through fouls and grabs. That’s a great skill to have.”"

The former Wichita State star filled in admirably as the backup point guard after Brandon Jennings asked to leave the team. He was also asked to step in as the starter for the team’s final few games of the season after starting point guard Derrick Rose was lost for the season with a torn meniscus. The extra minutes may not have equated to more wins for New York, but they certainly showcased Baker’s toughness and reliability throughout the season when called upon.

Baker broke the re-signing news himself via his Twitter account early Saturday morning, sharing his excitement to be returning to the team that gave him a chance as an undrafted rookie last season.

Baker averaged 4.1 points and 2.2 assists per game last season in only 52 total games of action, but his effort couldn’t really be measured in stats. He has grown to be a fan favorite for his hard-nosed hustle plays and off the court popularity after releasing a children’s book last December titled ‘You’re Too Big to Dream Small’.

He described the book in an interview with Kansas.com as a great motivator to kids having personal issues and insecurities.

"“The book itself is really big on its illustrations, and the biggest thing I wanted is for my photos to be more of the story. In this book, the pictures are really drawn out for kids to see the action and put an image in their heads when they read the poem. I’m hoping they can take away something from it, whether it’s getting outside and being active, having fun with family or friends, or just always believing in yourself regardless of what your last name is, what race you are or where you come from.”"

Baker, who agreed to terms on a two-year deal for reportedly the cap room exception ($4.3 million next year, $8.9 million overall) is a nice bargain pickup for a Knicks team still seeking to add more talent. He will be a key reliable member off the bench for the Knicks next season and will continue to provide much-needed toughness for the club.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

One down, plenty more to go for Steve Mills in this offseason of recovery for the Knicks franchise and fanbase.

Grade: B