Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE
With Iman Shumpert and Ronnie Brewer currently dealing with injuries, the New York Knicks don’t have much depth at shooting guard and can’t afford another loss.
Entering training camp, the Knicks had just one healthy shooting guard with a guaranteed roster spot, but it appears as though the Knicks might have to consider other options as J.R. Smith missed practice on Thursday with an ankle injury that was described as sore.
The Knicks had free agent Tracy McGrady come in for a workout during the offseason and are rumored to be interested in free agent Josh Howard. There have been reports that the Knicks had recent conversations with Howard’s representatives.
However, if the Knicks were to decide to sign a free agent, they would have to cut one of their players with a non-guaranteed contract since the Knicks have already handed out 20 training camp invitations, the maximum amount allowed for a team.
Rasheed Wallace is the most notable name of the Knicks with non-guaranteed contracts and appears to be the favorite to land one of the Knicks’ final two guaranteed roster spots. Chris Smith is the player most people expect to get the other roster spot, but John Shurna has had a strong camp so far.
Another option for the Knicks could be free agent Maurice Evans, who averaged 4.9 points while shooting 37.8-percent with the Washington Wizards in 24 games off of the bench last season. Evans played under Knicks head coach Mike Woodson during his time with the Atlanta Hawks.
Assuming Shumpert will return healthy by midseason, the Knicks could eventually move Brewer to small forward, where he would provide a defensive upgrade when the Knicks choose to give Carmelo Anthony a break. Howard can play guard/forward too, so it’s possible that the Knicks could sign him.
