New York Knicks: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season
5. The Knicks will struggle from behind the arc
The New York Knicks weren’t the greatest 3-point shooting team in 2016-17 and that probably won’t change in 2017-18.
Big man Kristaps Porzingis showed extended range as a threat behind the 3-point line with 1.7 makes per game. Forward Carmelo Anthony led the team with 2.0 3-point makes per game. Shooting guard Courtney Lee can’t be forgotten about either, he had 1.4 makes from 3-point land in 2016-17.
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Outside of those three, the Knicks didn’t get much production from behind the arc. In a league that’s beginning to favor the three-ball, that’s not a good sign.
The New York Knicks ranked 24th in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game (8.6), 21st in 3-pointers attempted and shot 34.8 percent from 3-point range last season.
The front office did do well to sign Tim Hardaway Jr., a sharpshooter from the 3-point line. Hardaway made 1.9 3-pointers per game last year but in a reserve role. He could find himself in the starting lineup a lot more in 2017-18.
His production may go up as a result and if it does, it may help tilt the bar a bit for the Knicks. Youth and inexperience could be their Achilles’ heel as they have five rookies signed to their roster currently.