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Ron Baker brings something special to New York Knicks rotation

By Randy Porga

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 31: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks reacts after being fouled and scoring a basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 31: Ron Baker #31 of the New York Knicks reacts after being fouled and scoring a basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on January 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks have had a rather quiet offseason making adjustments to their roster, but a returning Ron Baker brings something special to the roster.

The New York Knicks continue to have a pestering issue with the never-ending rumors and possibilities lingering on the future of Carmelo Anthony. It’s a constant tugging of the strings at the hearts of Knicks fans that just can’t get a break.

But let’s take a step back from the negatives stunting the growth of the Knicks franchise and focus on something different: the New York Knicks signing Ron Baker to a two-year deal.

Ron Baker may very well be the finest talent to ever come out Wichita State despite his undrafted status last year.

How no other team had a serious focus on Baker coming into the league is a serious question mark. But the Knicks made the right and unexpected choice by bringing him aboard instead of Chasson Randle early on.

Although he played as a shell of himself compared to his numbers in college, for those that watched closely last season, he has tons of potential.

Tremendous upside for the rotation

It was easy to get lost in the fog of last year’s losing streaks, negative media and unimpressive defensive efforts made from the Knicks. But those who watched closely saw the Knicks have hopeful young talent indeed.

One of these sleepers is Ron Baker. Despite a more than disappointing three-point percentage of 26.7 percent, he slowly improved toward the end of the season.

He may not be the fastest or most athletic, but without a doubt he makes up for this with great decision-making, hustle and toughness.

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If you look at the Knicks’ roster up and down for the most part, nobody played as hard and sacrificed their body as much as Baker. The argument can be made that most of his play came in garbage time.

But how many players transition from the 2 to the 1 and fill the role of an injured Derrick Rose and do it well as an unrecognized, undrafted player?

One of the strongest facets of his game is how he functions with any player on the court and the natural chemistry he seems to find. He is a rare player in the league that doesn’t go for the flashy play, but all the while makes it look pretty and slick.

If he can find his groove and improve his long range efficiency, he has the ability to grow into a starter — if not for the Knicks, then certainly for a hurting team in the future.

He is simply an all-around perfect team player that the New York Knicks truly need to feed minutes to when their starting five takes a rest.

Assuming Carmelo Anthony remains a Knick, the starting lineup may look something like this.

  1. Ramon Sessions/Frank Ntilikina
  2. Tim Hardaway Jr.
  3. Carmelo Anthony
  4. Kristaps Porzingis
  5. Joakim Noah/Willy Hernangomez

It’s anyone’s guess what the Knicks may shift around, and doubtful they give Baker starting minutes at guard, although he proved capable.

Let’s assume that lineup holds true. This is where Baker makes a good bench potentially great.

  1. Frank Ntilkina/Ramon Sessions
  2. Ron Baker
  3. Lance Thomas
  4. Mindaugas Kuzminskas
  5. Kyle O Quinn

Short of Lance Thomas needing to prove himself this year, this is a solid defensive unit. Kyle O’Quinn makes the argument to be a potential starter elsewhere when his contract is up, as a steal of a bench player. Mindaugas Kuzminskas will have a breakout second year and is a three-point threat.

What’s best about this is Ron Baker fits as a perfect facilitator for a mixed rotation of young and mildly experienced players.

With the gift of starter minutes toward the end of the 2016-17 regular season, we saw that Baker can and will evolve and continue to improve with time.

If Ron Baker ever doubts his future value on his undrafted status, perhaps he should give New York neighbor Jeremy Lin a call and see how it worked out for him.

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

It is still early to see how the New York Knicks’ rotation will be set, but Ron Baker certainly brings something special to the rebuilding roster.

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