After missing half of last season due to injury, third-year guard Ron Baker seems to be the odd man out in a crowded New York Knicks backcourt.
It shouldn’t have been too big of a surprise that New York Knicks guard Ron Baker was going to exercise his $4.5 million player option for the 2018-19 season. He’s not the most eye-catching name on the roster but is known for doing all the dirty work needed at either guard position.
Baker doesn’t fill up any part of the stat sheet but has continued to be a part of many tough and painful moments with the Knicks. His facial injury last season after being the recipient of an Anthony Davis dunk followed by recent situations involving a contact lens and a Noah Vonleh elbow have earned him the “tough guy” reputation.
Unfortunately, the sharpshooting and leadership qualities that propelled him in college with Wichita State seem to have become a far distant memory compared to the professional version of today.
Baker shared his feelings with the media on his current role with the Knicks in an interview with the New York Post earlier in the year.
"“I feel like I’ve always been a guy who maybe doesn’t talk as much and show leadership that way, but by example. If I can come off the bench and give that energy, other guys can see me hustling after loose balls and defending — which is what I’m out there to do. It can carry over and help our guys.”"
Baker knew he had a tough situation to try to overcome in order to make the team with guys like Frank Ntilikina, Emmanuel Mudiay, Trey Burke and rookie Allonzo Trier competing for minutes. His only true hope was the injuries to veteran Courtney Lee and Mudiay, allowing him extra time on the floor during the preseason.
A favorite of former head coach Jeff Hornacek, Baker needed to make an impression on the new coaching staff and David Fizdale.
The new Knicks head coach shared with reporters his thoughts on Baker’s toughness after an early preseason game.
"“He’s a tough S.O.B.,’’ Fizdale said. “He’s a team guy. He’s smart as heck. He’s smart in chaos. A lot of guys can’t hit, grab, scratch, claw and be halfway in a fight and still be very clear in the mind and being able to execute. He’s really been doing a great job for us. I won’t hesitate to throw him in a game, to change up some things. The way he defends, the way he can take people out, I think he’s a luxury to have.”"
Baker has had many critics during his time with the Knicks, especially on social media. It was surprising and in some cases a positive to see him respond to a heckler recently on Twitter.
I was really curious about what your opinion was Savage. Thanks for sharing. https://t.co/IU3HkcKSIF
— Ron Baker (@RonBaker31) October 30, 2018
So far this season, Baker played a grand total of 79 minutes over six appearances. It doesn’t look like he’ll be a part of the regular rotation, barring injury.
Baker will continue to face challenges throughout the season as the Knicks continue to evaluate players. The injuries will eventually subside as players like Mudiay are making their way back to regular minutes per game. It will be interesting to see if the toughness and grit of Baker will be enough to carve out a role in the NBA moving forward.