DeMar DeRozan would not have helped the Knicks

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DeMar DeRozan would have been worse off with the Knicks

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 04: DeMar DeRozan #11of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the 122-115 win over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 04, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana, DeMar DeRozan would have been worse off with the Knicks. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

There is a perception that the New York Knicks made a mistake by not signing DeMar DeRozan last offseason. Marc Berman of the New York Post stated on February 18th that Leon Rose’s decision not to sign DeRozan is looking worse by the day due to how DeRozan is performing with the Chicago Bulls.

But that is not the case.

DeMar DeRozan would not have helped the Knicks: The mid-range

Berman stated that DeRozan is the only player that has scored 35 points in seven straight games, on a minimum of 50 percent shooting from the field. Although Berman’s statistics are correct, DeRozan’s success in Chicago is no indication of how he would have performed in New York due to how they are using him.

DeRozan has spent most of his offensive possessions in the pick and roll this season. He has spent 41.4 percent of his possessions in the play type, averaging 10.6 per game.

DeRozan has been efficient in the role of pick and roll ball handler, shooting 50.7 percent from the field on 8.3 shots per game. He has averaged 10.8 points per game – 38.4 percent of his scoring output.

This season, DeRozan’s pick and roll success has been related to where he is taking his shots; he has taken 47.2 percent of his field-goal attempts in the mid-range, averaging 9.4 per game. Prior to this season, DeRozan has thrived in the mid-range, as he has shot 44 percent since 2015 on 6.6 shots per game. He has continued to succeed in the mid-range this season, shooting 50.2 percent.

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