Evan Fournier

Grading the New York Knicks free agent acquisitions

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New York Knicks, NYK

The New York Knicks spent an exorbitant amount of money this off-season to solve multiple positions of weakness. Having secured the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference last season, the team did more than enough to increase their odds of placing even better during the 2021-22 season.

Their free-agent acquisitions will play a big part in taking a step forward this upcoming year, including the retention of three familiar faces that were preparing to hit the market.

Grading the New York Knicks free agent signings:

1.) C: Nerlens Noel

With Mitchell Robinson playing in just 31 games last season, Nerlens Noel was forced into a more significant role. Averaging 5.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and shooting 61.4% from the field, Noel had one of his best years to date. However, his biggest impact came on defense, where he blocked 2.2 shots per contest and stole the ball 1.1 times on average. He was a maestro in the paint, meeting players at the rim to reject shots.

While Noel’s stats don’t stand out, a lot of his value doesn’t show up on the stat sheet. The Knicks seemingly overspent a bit on his retention, extending him on a three-year, $27.7 million deal. However, it is essentially a two-year contract with the third year not guaranteed. Paying him nearly $10 million is quite a lofty amount for a backup center, but the value he provides cannot go unnoticed.

Grade: B-

2.) PG: Derrick Rose

The very moment the Knicks acquired Derrick Rose from the Detroit Pistons at the deadline, the team took a massive step forward. It is clear that Rose is more than capable of being a starting point guard in the NBA, but age has certainly taken its toll on his stamina. With Elfred Payton offering little to nothing during the postseason, Rose was forced to play more minutes, picking up small injuries that impacted his production and efficiency.

Nonetheless, he averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 assists, and shot a career-high 41% from three with the Knicks last season over 35 games.

After realizing how much gas Rose has left in the tank, president Leon Rose elected to re-sign him on a three-year, $43.56 million deal. This is another contract that has no guarantees for the third season, and pairing ham with Kemba Walker should mitigate fatigue for the most part.

Grade: B+

3.) SG: Alec Burks

One of the Knicks’ top scorers last season was Alec Burks, who played an essential role off the bench. Serving as a shooting guard and small forward, the former first-round pick from 2011 averaged 12.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and shot 42% from the field. He also hit on 41.5% of his shots from three, representing another high percentage shooter who curates immediate offense when called upon.

Burks isn’t the most stout defender, but his ability to play multiple positions and rotate in different combinations was enough to convince the front office to keep him on a three-year, $30 million deal. Burks’s contract also has an out after the second season, as the Knicks eye a potential big-name free agent with the opening of more salary space.

Grade: B

4.) SG/SF: Evan Fournier

One of the Knicks’ more lucrative free-agent acquisitions was Evan Fournier, formerly of the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic. Replacing Reggie Bullock as the team’s primary shooting guard, Fournier averaged 17.1 points last season over 30 minutes per game. Attempting 6.7 3-PT shots per game, he hit on 41.3%, a solid clip. The difference between Fournier and Bullock is that the former is able to create shots for himself, which should take pressure off power forward Julius Randle, who also signed an extension this off-season.

The Knicks landed Fournier on a four-year, $73 million deal. The team has an out after the third season, giving them a bit of flexibility down the road.

Grade: B

5.) PG: Kemba Walker

One of the biggest surprises of the off-season was the signing of Kemba Walker. Having landed him on a two-year, $17.9 million deal, the Knicks couldn’t imagine in their wildest dreams he would be available at such a great price point. Having struggled to stay healthy last season with a degenerative knee issue, Walker was only able to play in 43 games.

After the All-Star break, his statistics skyrocketed, but the injury lingered and eventually forced him to miss more time. At 30 years old, Walker was most recently an All-Star in 2020.

The veteran point guard averaged 19.3 points, 4.9 assists and shot 42% from the field last year. Finding an efficient way for Walker and Randle to play cohesively will be a challenge for New York but can’t be any worse than Payton running around aimlessly like a chicken with its head cut off.

As stated above, the duo of Rose and Walker should be great for limiting minutes and keeping both healthy for a full 82 game season.

Grade: A

6.) Taj Gibson

Gibson’s role on this team falls into two categories, extra reserve, and leadership. Gibson is an all-effort type of player who contributed valiantly during the postseason after Noel picked up an ankle injury. His value as an offensive weapon is next to none, but Taj plays relentless defense and sets the tone for the rest of the team. He signed a two-year, $10.1 million deal with the Knicks, but the 2nd year is non-guaranteed.

Grade: B-

Knicks’ Evan Fournier freaks out over hilarious EA Mobile player representation

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evan fournier, knicks

The New York Knicks made it a priority to land shooting guard Evan Fournier this off-season on a fresh contract. Signing him to a four-year, $73 million deal, the former first-round pick is looking to make an impact with the Knicks this upcoming season and beyond. With nine years of experience in the NBA, Fournier is a more than capable player, elevating the roster above the value that Reggie bullock provided last season.

While Bullock certainly offered value as a catch and shoot specialist, Fournier is capable of creating shots for himself, which adds another element to the offense, taking pressure off Julius Randle at power forward.

Last season, Fournier average 17.1 points, 3.4 assist and shot nearly 46% from the field. He connected on 41.3% of his shots from three-point range, averaging 6.7 attempts per game. Posting an effective field goal percentage of 56.5%, Fournier is simply a better player than Bullock and will offer the team far more offensive competency with similar defensive prowess.

However, while fans are excited about his impact, Fournier is already a favorite among the base. His social media presence has already elevated fans who are excited about the 2021-22 season. Asking to take part in several interviews with Knicks podcasts, Fournier also dropped a hilarious tweet regarding his visual appearance in EA’s mobile basketball game.

It is actually quite insane that EA managed to depict Fournier in such a ridiculous way. Just look at his eyes, they look like they are staring into your soul. And what is with his hair? It looks nothing like his actual style. Hopefully, EA learned a lesson from this encounter with Fournier — do better!

Julius Randle is excited to play with new Knicks dynamic backcourt

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Opposing teams will now be wary of loading up on New York Knicks‘ All-Star Julius Randle next season with the arrival of the four-time All-Star point guard Kemba Walker and Frenchman shooter Evan Fournier.

Walker and Fournier, formally introduced as the newest Knicks Tuesday, are viewed as much-needed offensive upgrades to Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock.

“We’re going to be really good,” Walker said. “My ability to get in the lane. Hopefully, I can draw multiple defenders and just get rid of the basketball. Trusting my teammates. I know this guy [Evan] right here is going to light it up. For sure he’s going to shoot the crap out of the ball. We got a bunch of young guys who we just drafted who are really, really good, who I’ve been really impressed with watching summer league. And some of the other guys who have been here, the guys from last season. Me and Evan plan on coming here, bringing some leadership and just adding on to what they already got going.”

The Knicks’ new backcourt is expected to complement and space the floor for Randle, RJ Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson in the starting unit.

It was a solid offseason for the Knicks as they were able to upgrade and still maintain their bench depth with the re-signing of veterans Derrick Rose, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, and Taj Gibson, who all played vital roles in their surprising playoff run last season. Then there’s the pair of Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin, looking to improve on their sophomore year. Their rookies — Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, and Jericho Sims — have shown plenty of promise in the NBA Summer League that they could be rotational players in their first year.

Their suddenly new-found depth is a welcome problem for two-time NBA Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau.

Randle, whom the Knicks locked up for four more years via a $117-million extension, remains the key cog of the team. All the Knicks’ offseason moves were geared toward easing up the heavy load he carried last season as their offense went down with him when the Atlanta Hawks zeroed in on him in the playoffs.

“We brought back some key guys but you know, Leon (Rose) and Wes (William) and Scott (Perry), the guys did a great job of just making us a more versatile team, putting more shooting on the floor and guys that can create and get down shots as well. I’m just excited,” Randle said on The Jump, a few hours after the team’s introductory press conference for his new teammates, Walker and Fournier.

“It seems like these guys — just by talking to them, playing against them — will fit into our culture and will work out really well. So, that’s obviously a plus. I just think [the offseason moves] just make us a lot more dynamic.”

The Knicks’ offense will be more dynamic with Fournier, a better shot creator than Bullock, and Walker, who is miles ahead, a better playmaker and shotmaker than Payton.

It will also help that Walker and Fournier are coming in with an already established chemistry, having played together in the second half of last season with the Boston Celtics. What makes their addition more promising is their willingness to embrace reduced roles in Boston, which they are willing to do again in New York, judging from their introductory presser.

“It’s going to be fine,” Walker said. “Me and Evan, we are two very, very unselfish guys. We’re just going to get the ball moving and find the right shot, play some defense, try to get some stops. I think we’re going to jell super well. I’m super easy to get along with. So is Evan. So it’s going to be fine.”

Randle couldn’t be more pleased when he heard Walker talk about unselfishness. That trait has what pushed the less-heralded Knicks team to overachieve last season.

“Yeah, absolutely! I’m right there with him,” he told The Jump after listening to Walker’s interview. “I think that was the important thing about our team last year was everybody was unselfish. At the end of the day, all it matter was our team was winning. And just that mentality right there says it all. Those guys are, obviously, great players. They’re gonna bring a lot to the table for our team. But at the end of the day, everything is about winning. And I feel like that’s their mindset so it’s gonna be fun.”

Fournier has built a reputation as one of the most hardworking players in the league, so much so that his cerebral approach to the game has been underrated. The newly-minted Olympic silver medalist has a methodical approach to building chemistry with his new team.

“Well, first of all, I think we need to learn each other,” Fournier said. “What guys do best, what they enjoy, where they are efficient on the court, and then after that, it’s just playing free. Drive and kick, just making the right play, moving the ball, playing good basketball. It sounds simple, but at the end of the day you just have to be willing to do it.”

The willingness and togetherness of the Knicks team, last season under defensive guru Thibodeau, were the biggest draws for Fournier to choose New York. It was the cherry on top of his long desire to play at his favorite arena, the Madison Square Garden, in front of the loudest fans in the NBA for 41 games every year.

“I’m like that, too! I play for coach Steve Clifford for three years. In a lot of ways, [he and Thibodeau] are very similar. I know I will gonna enjoy working for him. And it’s New York, it’s the Madison [Suqare Garden]. The team is getting better and better. It was just a great opportunity. You probably don’t know that but the French press knows, I’ve been saying for years that I’ve always wanted to play for the Knicks. Now, it became a reality,” Fournier said.

The dream offseason, relative to what the dry free-agent market offered, is now officially over. The reality now sets in for the Knicks.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Randle said. “I don’t want to judge anything until we get on the court. But I have all the faith and confidence that Thibs — I know he’ll put us into the best position on the floor and bring out the best in us as a team. We’ll be fine.”

Fine will be an understatement if everything clicks for the Knicks.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo

Knicks collect more draft picks in sign-and-trade deal with Boston

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evan fournier, knicks

One of the Knicks‘ top priorities this off-season was to find a sharpshooter who could create shots for himself. Last season, the team featured Reggie Bullock as the starting shooting guard/small forward, but they sought an upgrade at the position, acquiring former Boston Celtic Evan Fournier.

The French native signed a four year, $78 million deal with New York, indicating they have become an attractive team worth playing for after a successful 2020-21 season that saw them secure the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.

“Why? I think it was an easy choice. The Knicks are a very attractive team. They have an incredible coach that every time he coached a team, the team is disciplined. They play hard. And they play together. As a player, you want that,” Fournier said.

However, the Knicks didn’t only acquire Fournier, they manage to add two second-round picks for the future as well. By executing a sign and trade with Boston, the team sent $110K to the Celtics in exchange for a top-55 protected pick in 2023 and another second-round pick from Oklahoma City or Washington. This move allowed Boston to clear $17.1 million in salary space, while also delivering draft capital to New York.

New York Knicks announced today that the team has acquired guard/forward Evan Fournier in a sign-and-trade with Boston, along with two future second round draft picks in exchange for cash considerations.

The trade exception is worth Fournier‘s salary for this upcoming season and expires in one year. The $110K New York sent to Boston is the minimum they can declare as cash considerations to acquire draft capital. This is a win-win for both teams, as draft picks down the road could be valuable for the Knicks who might look to package them in a potential trade.

Obviously, the biggest benefit for New York is adding the French sharpshooter. At 28 years old, he averaged 17.1 points last season over 30 minutes per game. Playing in 42 total contests, Fournier did spend some time dealing with injury, but he can take pressure off All-Star power forward Julius Randle, who desperately needed more support during the postseason.

Walker, Fournier face Celtics in season opener; Knicks-Hawks rematch on Christmas

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

Newly acquired Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier will start their New York Knicks career facing their old team.

The Knicks will host the Boston Celtics at the Garden on October 20 as part of the NBA’s Opening Week. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN at 7:30 pm ET.

Walker played for two seasons with the Celtics before he was shipped to Oklahoma City Thunder for Al Horford. Walker completed a buyout with the Thunder and joined his hometown team, Knicks, on a $18 million, two-year deal.

Fournier, on the other hand, arrived in New York via a sign-and-trade agreement with the Celtics. He was Celtics’ trade-deadline acquisition who was eyed to be the team’s third scoring option behind Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown when Walker was shipped out.

But Fournier and the Celtics couldn not agree to a new deal and the Knicks landed him on a $78 million, four-year deal with the last year as team option.

Walker and Fournier are expected to start for the Knicks replacing the ineffective Elfrid Payton, who signed with Phoenix, and 3-and-D forward Reggie Bullock, who went to Dallas.

The Knicks’ rise to relevance have earned them a Christmas playdate against emerging rival Atlanta Hawks.

The Knicks will host the Hawks at the Garden 12 noon to be aired over ESPN.

The Hawks, led by Trae Young, beat the Knicks, 4-1, in the first round of the playoffs last season.

With a retooled starting lineup, the Knicks are hoping to improve on their fourth seed finish and first round exit.

It will be the Knicks’ first Christmas game since 2018 when they lost to Milwaukee Bucks, 109-95. The Knicks are 22-31 on the holiday games.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo

Fournier chooses Knicks among other options: They are a very attractive team

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You can now scratch the New York Knicks off from the unwanted destination list among NBA players.

Evan Fournier just made the confirmation during an elaborate team introduction Tuesday at The Garden along with Bronx native Kemba Walker.

Fournier arrived at New York via a sign-and-trade deal that netted the Knicks additional draft assets instead of signing straight as a free agent. The deal is reportedly worth $78 million for four years, with the last year a club option.

The Boston Celtics created a large $17.1 million traded player exception. They incentivized the Knicks with two future second-round picks — the top-55 protected 2023 Charlotte’s second-round pick, the worst of Oklahoma/Washington, or the better of Miami/ Dallas, per Boston Globe — to add to their burgeoning draft capital.

The Knicks, along with the Celtics and other teams, were Fournier’s options. But he didn’t need to think twice when the Knicks came with an offer to the table.

“Why? I think it was an easy choice. The Knicks are a very attractive team. They have an incredible coach that every time he coached a team, the team is disciplined. They play hard. And they play together. As a player, you want that,” Fournier said.

The French swingman was in the middle of his country’s Olympic quest when free agency opened. That’s why he was anxious to hammer out a deal as quickly as possible.

“The day we agreed on the deal was the day of the quarterfinals. So I was really talking to my agent, and you know, he’s letting me know what’s basically on the table and what my options are. It was pretty clear to me that New York was gonna be the team for me. It made it easier because I didn’t have to spend much energy so I could just focus on the Olympics,” Fournier said.

He sealed the deal over the phone with the Knicks’ top brass, including coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau greeted Fournier with a hex over him and his team France.

“As soon as I wrapped up that silver [medal], I have to go to New York so we can talk,” Fournier recalled of their conversation.

As it turned out, Fournier and France settled for the silver medal, losing to the Team USA in the gold medal game. It was Fournier’s first Olympic medal for France, and he relished the experience, saying that playing in high-intensity games makes you better as a player. He added that there’s no better high-intensity game than in a gold medal match against the world’s best basketball players.

Now, Fournier can focus on helping the Knicks improve from their fourth seed and first-round exit last season.

Fournier had admired the Knicks’ playing style under Thibodeau from a distance last season.

“Teams like that are hard to beat because they don’t beat themselves. You really have to play well to beat them. Looking at a team like that, it’s clear that they have togetherness. They practice well. Because throughout the season, they keep getting better and better. As a player, that’s exciting because you want to be part of a group that works and wants to win,” Fournier said.

Fournier believes it will be an easy transition for him to play for Thibodeau as he enjoyed his best years under Steve Clifford, a former Knicks assistant and Thibodeau’s close friend, in Orlando. He prides himself on being a grinder and a hard worker, a trait that made him among the favorite players Clifford has coached.

“I played for coach [Steve] Clifford for three years, and I think, in a lot of ways, they were very similar. I know I will enjoy working with [Thibodeau]. And I mean, it’s New York, it’s the Madison Square Garden. The team is getting better and better. It’s a great opportunity. You probably don’t know that, but the French press knows I’ve been telling them for years that I always wanted to play for the Knicks. Now, it became a reality,” he said.

A dream come true for Fournier and the Knicks, who have long desired to be wanted.

Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo

Knicks: What position maximizes Immanuel Quickley’s impact moving forward?

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immanuel quickley, knicks

Through two games in the NBA Summer League thus far, the New York Knicks have given Immanuel Quickley the ability to shine as a point guard. He may have not had the best outing in their first contest, but he turned it around with an impressive performance against the Pacers on Tuesday with 32 points and 8 assists. Just take a look at some of these highlights:

What he’s proven in these two games is that he thrives as the primary ballhandler on the court, and most certainly equips the playmaking skills necessary to play the 1 in the NBA.  However, it’s simply not the capacity in which the Knicks will need him the most this upcoming season.

Looking at the Knicks Roster

If Immanuel Quickley was to be listed as a point guard for 2021-2022, he’d be the 3rd option, behind Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose. The Knicks would also need to move on from Luca Vildoza, who has a non-guaranteed contract.

As of right now, the most likely role for the 22-year-old from Kentucky would be the backup SG with Evan Fournier starting. This would ensure him the most playing time, and the opportunity to fill in for either Rose or Walker if they were to get injured.

This is probably the most ideal situation for Quickley going forward. No matter how good he is at facilitating and handling the ball, he most naturally fits into the role of shooting guard. Keeping him at his regular position while occasionally giving him reps at PG will allow him to continue to grow as a valuable combo guard.

What Quickley’s Summer League Performance Means

As we saw all last season, Quickley is most effective when he’s shooting the ball well. This allows him to penetrate more efficiently and thus collapse the defense and find the open man or rise up for his patented floater. All this was evident in the first two summer league games for the Knicks.

Against the Pacers Tuesday, Quickley played with fearlessness and aggressiveness that came from increased confidence in his shot. Once he saw the ball go in a few times, he began attacking the rim, which forced defenders to commit. This not only gave players on the Knicks wide-open looks, but it also got him to the free-throw line, where he went 6-6. After the game, he displayed a heightened sense of maturity when discussing his role at the Summer League.

“I’ve been around a year… I’ve been in playoff games. Just continuing to spread my knowledge to the new guys, the young guys. Obi and I are doing a great job understanding we have to help these guys and communicate.” – Immanuel Quickley via NYPost

Quickley seems to be a player who understands what he needs to do to help the team win. No matter what it is you ask of him, he performs to the best of his abilities. As for this upcoming season, he will understand that the best way to help the Knicks will be at the shooting guard position. From a long-term perspective, Quickley could be the team’s solution at PG after Rose and Walkers’ contracts expire in two years. Rose is on a three-year deal, but the final season is not guaranteed.

How Knicks’ free agent signings will help RJ Barrett reach a new level

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new york knicks, rj barrett

The New York Knicks did exactly what they needed to do this offseason acquiring two players that can create their own offense: Evan Fournier and Kemba Walker. With the former Boston duo now sharing the backcourt in New York, one can only think that this will greatly benefit 3rd year forward RJ Barrett.

This past season, we saw much-improved play from the 21-year-old from Duke. Barrett increased his scoring, his efficiency, and his FG and 3pt FG %, all while being the second scoring option on a playoff team. He also improved his defense, becoming a reliable option for Coach Tom Thibodeau.

Where RJ Barrett Needs to Improve

If there’s one part of his game that needs the most work, it’s his shot creation. In 2020-2021, Barrett relied mainly on his perimeter game and finishing skills at the basket to generate offense. He only shot a combined 36% on field goal attempts from 10 feet to the 3 point line. Additionally, these only accounted for .156 of all RJ’s attempts. If he expects to take the next big leap as a scorer in 2021-22, he’s going to need to learn how to become more efficient at creating more midrange opportunities for the Knicks.

Barrett has been working this off-season diligently to improve his shot-creating and hesitation moves. Elevating that category will take pressure off Julius Randle to be the primary scorer, and with RJ’s ability to drive the rim, kicking it out to his sharpshooters will become even more lethal.

Fortunately, the presence of Walker and Fournier, two players that demand attention on offense, will give Barrett extra room to create and learn. He could also take after the two guards, who thrive from inside the 3 point line. Last season, Walker (in his worst shooting season since he was a rookie) still shot 41% from midrange, which was down from 47% the season before. Fournier, on the other hand, shot 44% from the same area while also seeing a big dip from previous seasons.

While Barrett’s scoring average may go down due to less usage, the play of the Knicks’ two newest additions will allow him to work on finding other ways to score and help him improve his ability to move without the ball.

There’s certainly a lot to look forward to this season, but how RJ continues to develop as a player will be one of the most intriguing.

Does Evan Fournier, Kemba Walker make the Knicks top seed contenders?

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evan fournier, knicks

The New York Knicks utilized their remaining cap space to sign point guard Kemba Walker after he finalized a buy-out with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Knicks started off free agency, retaining some of their own, spending the majority of their available funds on three-year contracts with Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, and Derrick Rose.

The front office had a straightforward approach, show loyalty to the players who impacted them the most during a play-off worthy 2020-21 season, and fill weaknesses with strengths. Having secured the 4th overall seed in the Eastern Conference last season, the Knicks are looking to take the next step forward, and their newest additions should contribute toward that goal.

Evan Fournier’s impact:

When the Knicks signed Fournier, they saw an upgrade over Reggie Bullock, who signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Fournier, who is capable of playing shooting guard and small forward, has the ability to create shots and drive to the basket, whereas Bullock was more of a catch and shoot specialist.

Fournier averaged 17.1 points last season, including 3.4 assists, and shot 45.7% from the field. However, his most important statistic is his three-point percentage, which lands at 41.3%.

With similar shooting percentage is compared to Bullock, Fournier was offered a four-year, $78 million deal because of his ability to open up the floor and take pressure off of Julius Randle. He’s head and shoulders above Bullock as an offensive weapon, which should elevate the Knicks’ offensive production, therefore giving them a better opportunity to move up in the standings.

Kemba Walker’s impact:

Relying on Elfrid Payton to get the job done last season was a tough reality for head coach Tom Thibodeau, who quickly replaced him with Derrick Rose upon his acquisition. Payton averaged 23.6 minutes per game, and Walker will undoubtedly steal those minutes and provide more efficiency as a shooter and floor general.

However, Kemba has dealt with injury in the past, specifically with his left knee. He missed 45 games over the past two seasons, including 29 last season and two in the playoffs. However, he was fantastic after returning during the second half of the year, so it is clear he can still play at a high level when healthy.

Paying him an average of $8 million per season, they are getting him on a steep discount, similar to the contract Payton signed last year to stay with the Knicks for one season.

Splitting minutes between Rose and Walker will help mitigate fatigue and injury, providing the Knicks with two more than capable point guards who can lead the offense and take even more responsibility away from Randle.

Last season, Randle was double-teamed frequently, especially during the postseason. Pulling assignments away from him and toward other playmakers should increase their efficiency, hopefully allowing them to secure an even higher seeding and home-field advantage for the postseason.

So can the Knicks compete as a top seed in the Eastern Conference? Absolutely, but it all boils down to health at the end of the day.

Knicks’ Quentin Grimes offers one-two punch with Evan Fournier

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quentin grimes, knicks

The New York Knicks prioritized three-point shooting this off-season, deploying their highest draft selection and spending an exorbitant amount of free agency money to help bolster the category. Last season, the Knicks ended up being one of the best three-point shooting teams in basketball during the second half of the season, but they’re looking to improve upon that success and put together an entire campaign of efficiency.

With that idea in mind, the Knicks spent the 25th overall pick on Quentin Grimes out of Houston. The 6’5″, 205-pound guard featured on one of the best defensive teams in college last year, but his strength resides in the three-point category. He shot 40.3% from range, attempting 8.3 per game. Grimes averaged 17.8 points over 32.8 minutes per game.

However, Grimes isn’t only a three-point shooter, he’s an aggressive, athletic player who can drive to the rim. As a pesky defender, he fits Tom Thibodeau’s mold perfectly as the Knicks fell in love with him prior to the draft. While they were targeting Chris Duarte out of Oregon, Grimes was the next best option as a three-point shooting guard.

Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson described his team’s culture as been hard-nosed, tough, defending, and rebounding. However, Grimes took the easier route when he first joined the program, not exerting maximum effort in the rebounding category and helping in detailed ways. Sampson brought that effort out of him, which caught the attention of Thibodeau.

“We needed his talent, but he needed what our program’s culture was about. And that was being hard-nosed, being tough, defending and rebounding.” Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson says. “I think Quentin always thought that was for the [peons]. That’s for the regular guys. I’m a star. I don’t need rebounding. But in our program, my man, if you don’t get on them boards …”

In fact, during an interview with Sports Illustrated, Sampson stated he would make the entire team run if Grimes didn’t rebound like he was supposed to. Samson believes God put Grimes in his program to iron out his deficiencies. Impressively, only two players snagged more rebounds than Grimes last season, ranking second in the conference in steals and one of three players to connect on more than 100  three-point shots. If that wasn’t enough, Grimes also lead the American Athletic Conference in total points.

Despite his success with Houston, the Knicks don’t want to rush his development and force him into a starring role immediately. That is why the front office signed sharpshooter Evan Fournier on a four-year, $78 million deal. Fournier is an established NBA veteran who averaged 17.1 points last season, including 3.4 assists and shooting 45.7% from the field. He’s also a high octane three-point shooter, connecting on 41.3% over 6.7 attempts per game.

Over the course of a long season, Grimes can help supplement Fournier when he needs rest. Averaging 30 minutes per game last year, that leaves an additional 18 minutes of playing time that will likely be picked up by Grimes, as long as he can adapt quickly.

With Reggie Bullock signing with the Dallas Mavericks, the Knicks supplemented his loss with an even better score who can create for himself. Fournier represents an upgrade, and Grimes can contribute defensively immediately when the French player is off the floor.

I wouldn’t rule out Grimes offering scoring production as well, offering a one-two punch for the Knicks as they prepare for the 2021-22 season.