Begley: The Knicks are expected to extend qualifying offer to Ron Baker

Phil Jackson may be gone, but the Knicks’ interim front office, helmed by Steve Mills, still has a job to do. And their first priority is to determine which of the club’s own free agents deserve a qualifying offer.

Well grab your wigs, Knicks fans, because the team has setting their sights (and their QO) on famously be-coiffed rookie Ron Baker. Per Ian Begley:

The Knicks are expected to extend a qualifying offer to Ron Baker to make him a restricted free agent, according to league sources. This will allow New York to match any offer sheet that Baker signs in free agency. Baker is expected to draw interest on the market so New York may have to use some of its cap space to retain the second-year guard. Coaches were impressed by Baker's energy and ability to defend, among other things, during his rookie season.

Ron started 13 games for the Knicks last season (!!!), averaging 4.1 points and 2.1 assists per game. He shot a truly woeful percentage—37.8 FG%, 26.7 3P%—but was known for his outside shooting in college. If he can develop an above-average three-point shot, Ron just might prove to be valuable in a bench role. If anything, he gives Carmelo Anthony a chance to develop more riffs on the “Burgundy” nickname.