New York Knicks: 3 veteran free agents to keep an eye on in the bubble

1. Goran Dragic

It makes sense that a lot of Knicks fans seem to be very high on Goran Dragic. Even at 34 years old, Dragic would likely be the Knicks’ best point guard since Stephon Marbury left in 2009. Unlike Millsap or Gasol, Dragic’s numbers improved from last season.

He’s currently averaging 16.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.2 3-pointers per game at a 37.7 percent clip. According to Basketball-Reference, the Knicks haven’t had a player average 15 points, 5 assists and make 100 3-pointers in the same season since Marbury in 2006-07.

Dragic’s 3-point attempt rate (.472) is a career-high, but he’s still managed to improve his percentage. He’s a big part of why Miami is first in the league in 3-point percentage this season. Dragic was better on pull up threes (38.5 percent) this season than he was off the catch (36.3 percent).

The Knicks are one of if not the worst shooting teams in the league. They’re currently 27th in 3-point percentage and last in 3-point makes. According to NBA Stats, they’re 28th in pull up triples made.

Dragic made 47 pull 3-pointers this season. The Knicks leader was Damyean Dotson – who’s been in and out of the rotation all season – with a whopping 16. So yeah, the Knicks could use Millsap, Gasol, or Dragic to make a shot from downtown.

The addition of Jimmy Butler and a move to the bench have been vital to Dragic’s success. According to Cleaning the Glass, Miami’s points scored per 100 possessions with Dragic and Butler on the court is 119.1 (98th percentile). With Dragic but no Butler, it was only 110.8 (50th percentile).

The Butler-Dragic lineup would rank number one in the league while the Dragic only lineup would be ranked 17th. Considering New York was ranked 29th this year, I’ll take it. But it’s still worth noting that Dragic won’t have a Jimmy Butler or the luxury of playing against second units if he comes to New York.

The Heat would likely want to bring Dragic back on a one-year deal – they don’t want to dip into their 2021 cap space either – but the Knicks can outbid them. If New York wants Dragic, he’s a prime candidate for the J.J. Redick-Philly-type contract.

Being a part of the famous Heat culture for the past six years is something Dragic would hopefully carry over to the Knicks. The Knicks loved the idea of a Miami assistant when they hired David Fizdale because of that culture. That didn’t work out, but Dragic has the talent to be different.

All statistics are pulled from Basketball-Reference unless otherwise noted and are accurate as of July 11, 2020.