The New York Knicks are a completely transformed team. With new head coach Jeff Hornacek, the Knicks have a new identity, and with new acquisitors, they’ve become more athletic and versatile. The acquisition of Derrick Rose gives them the scoring point guard they’ve so desperately craved. Courtney Lee gives them the ‘3 and D” shooting guard they haven’t had in recent years, and Joakim Noah gives them the defensive demon in the middle they’ve been looking for; however, one of their signings has gone under the radar, Brandon Jennings.
Brandon Jennings is the Knicks X Factor
Why He’s a Steal
The Knicks signed Magic and former Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings to a one-year, $5 million deal. Considering all the other contracts given out this summer, Jennings may be the best value. For example, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley re-signed with the Grizzlies on a 5 year, $153 million dollar deal; that is the biggest contract in NBA history. Conley is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. He’s a two way point guard and is a team player; however, Brandon Jennings has had the better statistical career. Over the course of their careers, Jennings has averaged more points, assists, and rebounds per game than Conley. The Knicks payed $148 million less for Jennings. They payed $148 million less for a player who has had a more productive career than the guy that got $153 million, in Mike Conley. At his price tag, Brandon Jennings was a complete steal.
What Jennings Brings to the Table
Throughout his entire career, Jennings has been a scoring point guard. His aggressive play is something the Knicks have been deprived of in recent years. In a way, Jennings is very similar to Rose. He has an attack mindset, can push the ball up the court quickly, and he can be a team’s top scoring option. Jennings off the bench, will be a huge asset for the Knicks. He’ll be the scoring punch off the bench the Knicks haven’t had since J.R. Smith in 2012-13. He’ll also be on the floor a lot more than some might think, especially when the Knicks go small. When the Knicks decide to play small, Kristaps Porzingis will move to the five, Carmelo Anthony will move to the four, and Courtney Lee will move to the three. That will leave the backcourt open for Jennings and Rose to share the rock. When Rose and Jennings are on the floor together, the Knicks will present a matchup nightmare. Jennings will be a big help to the Knicks in that regard, but he may also prove to be valuable in a more silent notion. Currently, Derrick Rose is dealing with allegations against him, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he may miss some games because of it. If that situation presents itself, Brandon Jennings can step in and play the point for the Knicks.
Why Jennings is the X-Factor
The Knicks have transformed themselves into a talented, balanced, and very depth team; Brandon Jennings is the perfect example of that depth. Just a few years ago, Jennings was considered one of the league’s best scoring point guards, but injuries took that notion away from him. The reality is, that notion is still true. Jennings can score in a number of ways; he can drive, push the ball up the court, and he can hit the jumper from the outside; he’s a very versatile player. A player like Jennings coming off the bench is very valuable, and with him coming back healthy this year, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility that he could win sixth man of the year. Jennings skill set, and career resume, prove that he is the Knicks X-factor for this upcoming NBA season.
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