The 2013 offseason is slowly but surely drawing to a close and rosters across the NBA are being solidified in preparation for the 2013-14 preseason. The New York Knicks were one of the most improved teams in the league last season and will look to build on an impressive 2012-13 campaign with a run at the NBA Finals this season. One position at a time, we will break down the roster of the Knicks, starting with a bolstered point guard spot. The team has retained its starter in Raymond Felton and adds veteran Beno Udrih to the bench to share minutes with Argentine Pablo Prigioni. So what can we expect from the Knicks’ point guards in 2013-14?
Raymond Felton will retain his starting position this season after a solid 2012-13. Photo Credit: Bridget Samuels, Flickr.com
Starter: Raymond Felton
Raymond Felton returned to New York last season and was instantly thrown back into the starting point guard role he left behind in 2010-11. In that season, Felton averaged career highs across the board with the Knicks before he was traded mid-season as part of the package for All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony. Prior to the trade, Felton was averaging more than 17 points and nine assists per game, he seemed comfortable in his role, the city and with himself. His return in 2012-13 did not result in the same type of lofty statistics, but Felton has formed good chemistry with his teammates, offers a balance between his own scoring and distributing and is almost certain to retain his starting point guard role this coming season. The Knicks have made a number of moves to try and bolster their roster and make a run at the NBA Finals, one of which was the pickup of veteran point guard Beno Udrih. Udrih, who we will get to momentarily, is an experienced campaigner who will certainly help the Knicks and may eat into some of Felton’s court time with his steady play. With a healthy Iman Shumpert and a team jam-packed full of individual scorers, Felton may see another dip in his scoring from the 13.9 points he averaged last season. With more weapons to use and another year of experience with his teammates, his playmaking should improve so we could see an 11-point, six- to seven-assist per game season out of Felton in ’13-14.
Beno Udrih adds to a bolstered bench in New York this season. (NBA.com photo)
Backups:
Beno Udrih
Beno Udrih joins the Knicks this season after he spent the 2012-13 campaign with the Milwaukee Bucks and later the Orlando Magic. The 31-year-old Udrih is an experienced, heady point guard and was impressive after being traded to the Magic last season, averaging 10.2 points and 6.1 assists per game. He showed that when given the opportunity he is still more than capable of running an offense, making sound decisions and can make a shot when called on. Over the course of his career, Udrih has averaged 9.1 points and 3.6 assists and has played long stretches as both a starter and reserve. Udrih joins the team on a veteran’s minimum contract, which for a player of his caliber is a very thrifty signing by the Knicks and proves Udrih’s desire to play in New York. Udrih will battle with Argentine Pablo Prigioni for the primary backup minutes at the point guard, but the steady play and NBA experience of Udrih is likely to endear him to coaching staff and teammates alike. With the occasional start due to injury and with regular backup minutes you could expect a solid seven points and four assists from Udrih per game in ’13-14.
Pablo Prigioni
The 36-year-old Pablo Prigioni made his NBA debut last season and despite not lighting the world in fire with his statistics, the Argentine national proved to be a valuable role player for the Knicks and even worked his way into the starting lineup late in the season when injuries struck the team. In 79 games, Prigioni averaged 3.5 points and three assists, starting 18 games and producing much more effectively later in the season. He started in 10 of the Knicks’ 11 playoff games, proving to be an effective combination alongside Felton with his size, defense and ability to shoot from outside. Prigioni also displays good playmaking, which allows him to run the point exclusively for stretches, but it is his versatility that may earn him more minutes through the season in the Knicks crowded backcourt. I expect to see more of the same from Prigioni this season; minutes will restrict his overall production, but what he provides on court will be valuable for the overall ball movement and energy level of the Knicks’ attack. Three to four points and assists per game for Prigioni over the course of the season may be about what to expect once again, but when called on in case of injuries, fouls or matchups, he is more than capable of producing the occasional big game.
[slider_pro id=”20″]