New York Knicks: Predicting the team’s leader in every statistical category

Evan Fournier sneakily forces turnovers in a key role for the New York Knicks.

Most of these categories only have a player or two under consideration, but New York has plenty of candidates to lead the team in steals. Forward Cam Reddish has a ton of defensive potential and could easily take a leap in this category, but his trust hasn’t been solidified within the rotation. Barrett hasn’t stolen the ball on a consistent basis despite growing as a defender on and off the ball. A statistical leap in this category could also come from Brunson, sixth man Derrick Rose or even one of the bigs in Randle or Robinson.

But instead, the most likely bet is the man who did it last year: Evan Fournier, who for all intents and purposes, is returning as the starting two-guard for the Knicks. Through 10 years in the league, Fournier has averaged at least a steal per contest in half of his seasons including the last three consecutive years. He does so with savvy timing and active hands as a perimeter defender.

Fournier isn’t known for his defense, but for a veteran player to stick around as a starter for as long as the Frenchman has, you need to show some level of effort. This is where Fournier proves himself worthy of staying on the floor — even when he’s targeted by opposing guards. He’s known for chasing opposing players around the perimeter and pouncing at the ball when exposed. Fournier finished with a B grade in pickpocket rate, per the Basketball Index, and in the 85th percentile for steals per 100 possessions.

Ultimately, New York would be better off if someone else took a jump in this category. It would mean that a step has been taken on the defensive end.  However, Fournier is a safe bet to repeat since it’s one of the core skills that keep him on the floor.