Rebuilding the Knicks, one Mason at a time
It seems like all of these free agency moves have been based on the how LeBron James made his “decision.” According to several news reports, James gave the Knicks a tip on how to enlist his service. Sources reported that James asked the Knicks to acquire first Amar’e Stoudemire for him to come to the Big Apple. With the chance to get the most “overhyped” free agent in history on hand, Knicks GM Donnie Walsh did spend almost $100 million to acquire the injury-prone Stoudemire. As the decision drew near, the Knicks also got more and more excited on what would be a surefire LBJ-Stoudemire partnership in NYK. However, everything changed when James says this one season-changing phrase” “I am taking my talent to South Beach.” In a matter of seconds, NYK’s title hopes crushed to ground zero once more. The dream of James playing for the Knicks was all over and now they to rebuild one Mason at a time.
With Stoudemire back in the middle for coach Mike D’Antoni, the Knicks envision a team that would emulate the Phoenix Suns’ high-octane offense. For them to that, they needed a reliable outside sniper with high three-point percentage. The Knicks, who have been through a ton of misfortune over the past years, had indeed suffered numerous setbacks in the hunt for a steady marksman. Within just couple of weeks, the Knicks were losing their option, as free agents Kyle Korver, Raja Bell, and Matt Barnes picked the contenders over pretenders. Luckily, a Mason has arrived in town to fix the problem.
Six-year veteran Roger Mason agreed to play for a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Knicks. After a two-year stint in San Antonio, the 29-year old Mason is once again expected to provide a significant offensive boost from the bench. Mason, who’s shooting a career .409 from beyond the arc, will give the Knicks range, allowing Stoudemire and the team’s frontline to operate freely in the shaded lane.
Still, some may argue that Mason’s showing this past season was a far cry from his 2008 – 2009 performance. However, little they know that Mason could have gained more playing time last year with the Spurs, if it’s not to injuries and steady progress of another dynamic Spurs guard.
The sole reason why Mason had a dismal 2009-2010 season is the emergence of George Hill, with whom he had to share his minutes with. After a below average year, Mason is set to take his career on a positive note, and what better place to do it than with the rebuilding Knicks. Mason’s departure from the San Antonio Spurs was just right. Hill’s staggering development would really give Mason a harder time growing as a player within the organization; Mason’s decision to leave San Antonio is, by far, his best career move ever.
Roger Mason Jr. has established himself as a solid spot up shooter off the bench. Nevertheless, he must also learn to improve his inside game if he wants to extend career in the NBA. This is something he can do with the Knicks. With him having a 6-foot-5, 212 frame, Mason has certainly the body to bang inside. Mason also showed that he has quick feet to get past his opponents at will. Probably, the only thing that hindered Mason from reaching his potential is his lack of aggressiveness and suspect conditioning.
The next season will be a crucial season for Mason. Although his performance back in 2008 with the Spurs is quite stellar, it’s all but a tossup for Mason, if he would indeed become the Mason the Knicks are looking for.
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