When the New York Knicks initially hired Jeff Hornacek, it was unclear if the former Phoenix Suns coach would implement the triangle offense. However, Hornacek cleared that uncertainty up rather quickly in his introductory press conference, saying that he is a believer in the triangle and will use parts of it in his offense.
However, Hornacek’s triangle-inspired up-tempo offense will need a strong point guard to run it. The Knicks currently have Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant and Tony Wroten on roster, and they aren’t the most ideal players to have in a starting point guard role. New York is able to sign a point guard this summer, and with players like Mike Conley and Brandon Jennings about to become free agents, the Knicks have several options to consider. However two players the Knicks may think twice before pursuing are Jeremy Lin and Ty Lawson.
From Marc Berman of the New York Post:
It’s not a strong crop of free-agent point guards, with Memphis’ Mike Conley leading the top tier. Resurgent Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony’s choice, is next, but some in the organization believe he hangs onto the ball too much. Brandon Jennings, D.J. Augustin, Ty Lawson, Jeremy Lin, Miami’s unsung Tyler Johnson, Aaron Brooks and Mario Chalmers are also free agents. Sources have indicated the Knicks consider Lawson’s off-court issues too big a risk and Lin’s defense too gaping.
Lawson did have off-court issues but those seem to be a thing of the past as he was a model citizen with the Rockets and Pacers last season. Unfortunately for Lawson though, his past issues will likely continue to be a concern for some people and it looks like the Knicks are one of them.
Lin seems like a strong fit for Hornacek’s offense at first but he also may be better suited as a second unit guard, coming off the bench to score and push the pace, just like Lin’s role Charlotte last season, which allowed him to have one of the better years of his career. But that’s not what the Knicks need. They need a starting-level point guard that can efficiently run their offense.
And while it is true that Lin isn’t the greatest defender, his defensive shortcomings can be minimized if he continues to play an utility-type of role off the bench like he did with the Hornets. Which is why even though the Knicks may not be interested in Lin, after the season he had, he will likely get a number of offers from multiple teams.
