Statistics have never been able to fully explain what Ron Baker can bring to a basketball team.
Baker’s mere presence instilled confidence in his teammates at Wichita State, then his hustle and determination have made him a fan favorite as an undrafted free agent with the New York Knicks and ultimately earned him a two-year, $8.9 million contract.
But a shoulder injury derailed last season for Baker and he has yet to catch on quite the same way under a new coach in David Fizdale. In fact, when Baker checked in for the final five minutes of a blowout loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday, it was just the third time he got off the bench in the last nine games.