The New York Knicks announced Monday that the team has signed undrafted free agent guard Ron Baker to a contract.
Ron Baker had an incredible college career at Wichita State before being invited by the New York Knicks to join their summer league roster. On Monday, Baker was officially signed by the team. Per Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Baker’s deal is certain yet.
The Knicks have signed summer league guard Ron Baker to a contract. Terms are unclear, but Baker is believed to have some guaranteed money.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) August 1, 2016
The Knicks were obviously impressed with Baker’s play during summer league in which he started in all five games. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 14.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 2.4 assists, on a slash line of .400/.370/.800.
Per Begley, Baker’s signing doesn’t mean that fellow summer league standout Chason Randle won’t be invited to training camp.
The Ron Baker signing doesn't preclude NYK from bringing in Chasson Randle or a veteran 3rd PG. Teams can bring 20 players to training camp.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) August 1, 2016
Randle led the team in points, assists, field goal percentage, and three-point shooting during their short five game sample size. The advantage that Baker has is that he can play both and defend both guard positions, potentially even the small forward.
The most likely outcome is that Baker will start the season with the Knicks D-league affiliate in Westchester. That doesn’t mean we won’t see him on the roster in 2016-17.