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The New York Knicks already had impeccable shooters but took advantage of the 2021 NBA offseason to add more to the lineup. With the NBA continually evolving, three-point shooting is now a necessity.
The New York Knicks could cause serious problems in the NBA during the 2021-22 season, looking at the quality and depth of their roster. On paper, the Knicks stand a decent chance of making the playoffs and bettering last season's performance.
Surprisingly, the New York Knicks ranked third in three-point percentage during the 2020-21 season despite their shortcoming offensively. As expected, Tim Thibodeau's team was more defense-focused, which was evident, leading to a 3rd-place ranking in defensive rating. However, they managed to stay effective and shot 39.2% from deep, behind only the LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.
While we anticipate another blockbuster season for the New York Knicks, here are the top five shooters on the roster ahead of the 2021-202-22 NBA season.
The New York Knicks' top five shooters heading into the 2021-22 NBA season
#5 RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett has shown his willingness to be a better shooter, and it showed in the 2020-21 NBA season. After shooting a measly 32% from beyond the arc in his rookie season, he elevated his game and played his part in the New York Knicks' resurgence from deep.
Skills coach Drew Hanlen deserves credit for helping him develop into a sharpshooter. The New York Knicks starting shooting guard employed his services once again in the 2021 offseason, an indication that he might develop a smoother shooting stroke.
One area that he might likely improve on is his ability to shoot off the dribble. 98% of his three-pointers last season came from assists. If he successfully starts to create his shots, stopping Barrett will be a tall task.
#4 Kemba Walker
Kemba Walker is not the most durable athlete in the NBA, and that has affected his productivity over the past two seasons. Regardless, he is the perfect point guard for the New York Knicks mainly because of the athleticism and experience he brings to the table.
Walker shot 36% from beyond the arc in his last stint with the Boston Celtics. While that is not entirely a decent number, he can certainly score from deep.
With how the New York Knicks roster is set up, Walker will undoubtedly better his 2020-21 three-point shooting percentage. Several scoring options will give him more leeway to operate, and perhaps reduce the number of difficult shots he attempts.
#3 Julius Randle
The New York Knicks found a way to unlock Julius Randle's full potential and have hugely benefited from his sensational performances. As a power forward, he is doing an exceptional job shooting the ball. It should come as no surprise seeing how most of the big men have started to live on the perimeter.
The 2021 NBA's Most Improved Player shot a whopping 41.1% from beyond the arc on 5.5 attempts per game for the New York Knicks. Although he favors mid-range and does some work in the post, when it comes down to it Randle can torch an opponent from beyond the arc.
Randle is perhaps the Knicks' best chance of reaching the playoffs for the second straight year.
#2 Alec Burks
With the starters and veteran Derrick Rose hugging all the spotlight, Alec Burks has been an under-the-radar producer for the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks' front office recognized his value and reached a deal to keep him on until 2026.
Burks is heading into the new season as one of the New York Knicks' deadliest threats from deep. It is doubly impressive to know that the 30-year-old has been shooting lights out strictly off the bench.
The caliber of passers on the roster will likely give rise to more open looks for Burks, which is why averaging a third 40% shooting from deep is likely.
#1 Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier was acquired through a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics and is expected to flourish with the New York Knicks in the 2021-22 season. What he lacks in athleticism, he more than makes up for it with his shooting.
The New York Knicks will have to make significant changes to the backcourt as they are currently stacked in that department. Fournier made an instant impact for the Celtics, shooting 46.3% in 16 games.
While those numbers are seemingly too high, we can expect Fournier to shoot around 40% from range. Given all the talent, it will be exciting to see how things play out for the New York Knicks.
