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#2 The New York Knicks play through their new guards
Both Walker and Fournier have been key scoring options for their respected teams over their NBA careers. Even though Walker has had injuries reduce his playing time, he still scored 19.3 points per game.
While being on the Orlando Magic at the start of the season, Fournier was averaging 19.7 points per game, but then when he joined the Celtics, his scoring output dropped to 13. However, last season Fournier had one of his best shooting years, shooting 46% from the field and 41% from three.
Even though Randle ran the show last season, the New York Knicks could shift to having their new guards be the primary ball-handlers. Kemba has done that his entire career by carrying the Charlotte Hornets however far he could. Fournier was on his way to a career season before being traded to the Celtics, in which he had to take a back seat to other players.
On top of that, Kemba and Fournier had already played together for the Celtics last season. Maybe there is a connection between the two that can come out when the season starts.
We also saw how badly a 100% focused Randle offense can turn. Randle should not have to give up a lot of responsibilities on offense, but not needing him to be dominant 100% of the time might be good. Kemba and Fournier can take that massive load off of Randle’s shoulders which might help them in the long run for the playoffs.
#3 The New York Knicks can take more threes
Despite having the third-highest three-point percentage last season, at 39%, they had the third-lowest attempts per game, at just 11.8. Randle was the only person to attempt over six threes a game and made them 41% of the time. Barrett also took a big leap in his three-point shooting, going from 32% on 3.5 attempts to 40% on 4.3 attempts.
Kemba and Fournier should both have an immediate impact on the Knicks' three-point attempts. Walker took 8.2 shots per game while Fournier 6.1, putting them both in the top three of three-point shooting for the Knicks last season.
Fournier did have an efficient shooting season last season, but Walker struggled. Walker shot only 36% from three, which is lower than the Knicks did last season. Walker just got off to a slow shooting start, and a lot of his injury history went into that. Walker was able to get back in line with 38% from three, which is closer to what he has been doing in recent seasons.
Even if the shooting numbers drop, just taking the threes might make NBA defenses respect their shooting more. Randle needs to attack the rim, and when there is more spacing on the floor, that makes it easier for him. Walker and Fournier can help provide that, making it easier for everyone to score in the paint.
Guess the Lakers players!
