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In one of the more predictable player moves of the Knicks’ 2018 offseason, Ron Baker has picked up his $4.5 million option for the 2018-19 season.
Knicks guard Ron Baker has picked up his player option for the 2018-19 season, per ESPN sources.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 31, 2018
Ron Baker’s player option for next season is $4.5 million. He underwent season-ending surgery on his shoulder in early February and is expected to be ready for the beginning of the season. https://t.co/uu5fbiXASi
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 31, 2018
Baker, Mr. Grit in the flesh, was probably not all that likely to get a bigger offer anywhere else in the league, coming off of an objectively mediocre season (at best) that was shortened to just 29 games by a myriad of injuries. A dislocated shoulder and torn labrum in late January ultimately ended Ron’s season.
The Knicks and new coach David Fizdale are probably hoping that Ron can improve upon his 2.4 points/one rebound/1.6 assists line on 34 percent from the field of this past season, a noted regression from his rookie year (although, again, he was banged up almost the entire time that he played this season). Still, there’s just something about the kid that makes the team better while he’s out there:
Reminder that while Ron Baker has some serious flaws on offense, his defense and BBIQ do really stand out. It'll be interesting to see how Baker gets minutes considering the glut of guards on the roster https://t.co/eOPFpGjYxw
— ViveLeFrank Jeremy (@TheCohencidence) May 31, 2018
So, yeah. Welcome back, Ron! If nothing else, he’ll continue to be one of the most memeable Knicks and one of the team’s best social media follows.