New York Knicks: Court will be in Sessions this season

The New York Knicks’ signing of Ramon Sessions signals a new direction for an old offense. Clarity and legitimacy make their return to New York.

A rose existed among the thorns of unsigned, free agent point guards. The New York Knicks found him this week. Surprisingly, this rose was not (and never was) Derrick Rose.

Marc Berman of the New York Post reported that Derrick Rose had no interest in being a mentor to the newly drafted Frank Ntilikina. Enter Ramon Sessions. His under control, pass-first style is perfect for the Knicks’ mentorship program.

The assumption is the team’s new offense will be centered on ball movement, quickness and an open floor. Defense will be a question mark, but if offensive efficiency improves, the defense will reap its rewards. Fewer turnovers and smarter shots will allow the defense to set up and disrupt transition opportunities.

A veteran point guard like Ramon Sessions is exactly what the New York Knicks need, even coming off a season that ended in a torn meniscus (eerily similar to Rose). After all, every available player has issues at this point in the free agency process.

Sessions by the numbers

Ramon Sessions has been in the NBA for nine seasons playing for seven different teams in that span. In his career, Sessions has averaged 10.6 points and 4.0 assists per game, generally in a backup role.

If Sessions remains healthy, his averages per 36 minutes are actually quite promising. In his career, he averages 16 points, 6.2 assists and 4.1 rebounds per 36 minutes. Obviously, Sessions won’t play 36 minutes a game for the Knicks, but he could be on the floor a lot.

Assuming he’s healthy, Sessions could be the most underrated free agent signing of the NBA summer. While he may not dominate the league, Sessions will be perfect for Frank Ntilikina. Stylistically and professionally, Ntilikina will see how a true point guard runs an offense.

Sessions for the Knicks

Above all, next season for the New York Knicks is about developing young players. If Carmelo Anthony is ever traded, the team will get even younger with an eye to the future. While Ramon Sessions is not young, he still fits perfectly on this team.

On one hand, a team without Carmelo makes Sessions the veteran leader by default. His experience in unselfishness means he could be something close to a player-coach. On the other, if Carmelo stays in New York, he and Sessions can play together. Sessions would feed the ball to the wing so much that Melo may even throw a pass.

The issue with Derrick Rose was his ball-dominance and lack of court vision. Sessions is the opposite of Rose and Carmelo will love playing with him if he’s still around. Marc Berman even referred to Ramon Sessions as the “Anti-Derrick Rose.” No matter the future construct of the team, Ramon Sessions will make the New York Knicks better.

Looking ahead

There are various directions the New York Knicks season could go this year. A blockbuster trade for Kyrie Irving or even some other player is a distinct possibility. Similarly, a blockbuster trade for young players and draft picks is also a possibility. Finally, Carmelo remaining disgruntled in New York may happen to the dismay of everyone involved.

No matter the direction the season goes, Ramon Sessions will be a great fit. Jeff Hornacek plans to open up the offense and spread the ball around in transition. Consequently, the basketball intelligence and experience of Sessions makes his teammates better immediately.

Kristaps Porzingis and his eclectic talent needs a point guard that gets him the ball. Sessions will not be looking for stats or stardom but he will be looking to make an impact. By signing and keeping Sessions, the Knicks have a legitimacy at point guard they haven’t had in years.

Next: The biggest winners and losers of 2017 NBA free agency

Last year, countless mixed signals filled the halls of Madison Square Garden. This year, however, a new clarity is taking shape. The new direction in New York needs a veteran that both players and coaches can count on. Ramon Sessions is that veteran and exactly the player the New York Knicks need.