• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – The New York Knicks made a lot of changes this off-season, including a couple big name free agent acquisitions. Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose were the Knicks’ high profile signings, and look to make the Knicks a playoff contender again. However, New York’s signing of Brandon Jennings might turn out to be just what the Knicks were missing.

The seven year veteran is a bonafide scorer, and is excellent at creating his own shot and shots for others. Jennings in his appearances this preseason, has impressed with his effort defensively. ESPN had recently dubbed him the new “Broadway Bully”, after some very physical play with Casper Ware in a game against the Washington Wizards. This toughness and “pride for the jersey” is something that the Knicks have lacked in recent years, and the arrival of Jennings should look to revitalize that spirit.

(Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Jennings pictured in an altercation with Ware.
(Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Jennings pictured in an altercation with Ware.

In the past couple years, the Knicks have not gotten what they’ve needed from the point guard position. The NBA is a guard driven league, and the point guard is crucial to a team’s success. Both Langston Galloway and Jose Calderon failed to consistently produce in their opportunities at the starting point guard position for New York.

Rose will be the starting point guard for New York without a doubt, but Jennings will provide a different dynamic offensively that will help the Knicks off the bench. Jennings is a very streaky scorer and can get hot very quick. Don’t be surprised to see Coach Jeff Hornacek run sets with Rose at the shooting guard and Jennings at the point, and vice versa.

Jennings has looked good in his preseason appearances thus far, and seems to be adjusting quickly in blue and orange. In his last game against the Boston Celtics, Jennings filled the stat sheet. In 23 minutes, Jennings tallied eight points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal. The Knicks will need him to give performances like that night in and night out. If he is able to do that for New York, the Knicks should have no problems ending their playoff drought.

Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732

(Featured Photo Credit: JULIE JACOBSON/AP)

By Barry Holmes

Graduate of Millersville University, with a BS in Communications focused in Broadcast. Senior Writer & Social Media Manager for PureSportsNY.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.