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Knicks could add lethal 3-PT shooter to support bench
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

When the lights were brightest, the New York Knicks simply ran out of steam — not because of star power, but support.

They had the top-tier talent in Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. What they didn’t have was enough help.

Why the Knicks can justify running it back

Despite the playoff heartbreak, the Knicks built a legitimate championship-caliber roster that just came up short.

They ran into a mix of coaching missteps and a lack of reliable scoring off the bench when it mattered most.

Still, the core produced enough to warrant another run — especially with the right tweaks and a fresh voice leading them.


Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

One under-the-radar move that could add real value

That brings us to Luke Kennard — a veteran shooter who might be exactly what the Knicks’ bench has been missing.

Kennard isn’t flashy, but he brings one elite skill to the table: three-point shooting at a high volume and efficiency.

In 65 games this past season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Kennard shot 43.3% from deep on four attempts per night.

A proven shooter with playoff experience

Go back to 2023–24 and the numbers are even more impressive — 45% from downtown on 6.1 threes per game.

He also chipped in 11 points per contest in that stretch, operating as a reliable floor spacer and rhythm shooter.

At 6-foot-5 and 206 pounds, Kennard offers enough size to defend guards and provide a consistent scoring threat off screens.

How he fits into the Knicks’ second unit

New York had hoped Miles McBride would evolve into a two-way bench weapon with occasional scoring bursts this past season.

While McBride had his moments, an injury slowed him down and he struggled to leave a consistent playoff impact.

Kennard would offer a different flavor — a pure shooter who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to thrive.

With the Knicks’ core commanding defensive attention, Kennard could feast on clean looks from the perimeter nightly.


Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The price point might be right

Kennard is coming off a $9.25 million deal, and the market likely won’t require a major overpay to secure his services.

If New York can land him at a similar price, it would be a smart value play for a team eyeing a title push.

Depth wins in the postseason, and finding an efficient scorer like Kennard could help avoid the offensive droughts that doomed them.

Adding him would be like plugging a leaky pipe — it won’t make headlines, but it could stop the ship from sinking.

READ MORE: Knicks could pursue former Hawks all-around scorer in free agency

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.

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