NY Knicks: Point Guards They Can Sign for Cheap This Offseason

The New York Knicks have plenty on their to-do list this offseason along with lots of questions that need to be answered.

Due to a lack of salary cap space, the Knicks will have to fill a good chunk of their bench with players who they can sign to a minimum, or at least for very cheap. Like every year, this can certainly be hit-or-miss, but with so much money stuck in their big three, their options are scarce. 

With Baron Davis out for the season, Iman Shumpert out for at least the first month with his ACL injury, Mike Bibby most likely done, Toney Douglas' sheer mediocrity and the contractual question mark known as Jeremy Lin, the Knicks are definitely going to have to figure something out if they want rectify their guard situation.

Because let's face it: Melo can't bring the ball up every single time.  

Whether the Knicks like it or not, nothing right now is set in stone for any of their point guards (and even several of their shooting guards). The idea of acquiring future hall of famer Steve Nash is still being thrown around, but that will end up giving the Knicks less contractual wiggle room then they already have.

Oh, and let's not forget the Knicks only have one draft pick this offseason too—in the second round, no less. It look like free agency really is the only way to go this year. 

Luckily, there are plenty of solid players looking for a job who can provide quality minutes, valuable experience and bench strength. Plus the Knicks can get them for cheap, and believe me, it's tough to find anything cheap in New York City. 

Here's a list of bargain point guard options that the Knicks should consider for next season. 

Jonny Flynn

Last Season: 4.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 3.3 APG

Kirk Hinrich

Last Season: 6.6 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.8 APG

Hinrich is coming off of a career low in every single category listed above, so you can guess that last season was certainly a dismal one for the former Bulls captain. Still, Hinrich may have something left in the tank if given the right situation.

With his value at an all-time low, now would be a good time for the Knicks to grab a player like Hinrich for cheap. Although his days of being a starter are long gone, Captain Kirk still can play a productive role on the defensive side of the ball. His shooting's not too shabby either, especially from behind the arc.

Also, a guy like Hinrich can definitely be a great veteran presence on the team, especially with his past leadership experience. 

Although his numbers may have dipped a little bit, it's doubtful that his drive has as well. Maybe playing under the big lights of MSG is just what Hinrich needs to bounce back. 

Andre Miller

Last Season: 9.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.7 APG

For 13 seasons, Andre Miller has built a very impressive resume for himself. The man quietly is now 10th all-time in assists and has only missed a total of four games in his career.

You read that right. Four games. In 13 years. That's it. 

Even at 36 years of age, someone is going to take a shot on this lifelong underrated veteran, and the Knicks should be one of the several teams to seriously consider signing him.

For a team like the Knicks where injuries are still a problem going into the offseason, Miller is the iron man the Knicks could use if it all starts to go south for them.

For his career, Miller has averaged around 14 points per game and a little over seven assists. With all the scorers already on the Knicks roster, Miller could become a great set-up point guard for New York off the bench. 

With his 7472 career assists, it's safe to say the guy knows how to make plays. 

Still, this all depends on the kind of deals he gets once free agency starts. Some team may actually end up offering him a little more then the Knicks can. But even that's a long shot.

If he does fall into the Knicks' price range, he's almost a no-brainer option. 

Jamaal Tinsley

Last Season: 3.7 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 3.3 APG

Tinsley was barely a factor last season with the Utah Jazz, and at 34 years old, he's not getting any younger. It's doubtful the Jazz will pick up Tinsley's option, and if that's the case, some team will probably pick him up at the veteran's minimum. 

The Knicks desperate need for a point guard could lead to them signing Tinsley if other options are scarce, especially since they can get him for the cheapest amount possible. 

It could be worse, and it's not like the Knicks have much to choose from anyway.

Still, Tinsley was once a solid option at point guard, especially in the assist category. Worth looking at. 

Delonte West

Last Season: 9.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG

West's off court problems have always seemed to overshadow his talent. He was able to contribute effectively for the Mavs last season, though.

West is an excellent free throw shooter (career best 88.6 percent last season), knows how to put the ball in the basket and averages a steal per game on his career. He can be a huge boost off the bench, and when he's at his best, he's a bona fide x-factor. 

Plus, it's not like he's even that old. With two years to go until he's 30, West is far from finished, even with all the baggage he comes with. 

No matter where he goes, he always seems to make an impact, in both a good and bad way.

New York would be no different. But in a city like the Big Apple, West is definitely a huge gamble. Just look at fellow troubled baller J.R. Smith and how many problems he's gotten into since putting on a Knicks uni. 

If the Knicks think that West has gotten some of his demons under control, he's arguably their best option if the price is right. Hopefully the Knicks choose wisely in that regard. 

Gilbert Arenas

Last Season: 4.2 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 1.1 APG

Last year, the Knicks were one of four teams on Agent Zero's wish list.

This year, Arenas would be smart to put every team on that wish list, especially after the egg he laid in Memphis. There's no guarantee that Arenas will even have a team to call his own next season. 

But let's not forget that this is the same guy who once averaged more 25 points a game for three straight seasons, almost single-handedly carried teams into the playoffs and signed a $124-million contract with the Washington Wizards a few years back.

He's also the guy who brought all those guns into his team's locker room, too. So there's that. 

The troubled star has never been able to truly bounce back from his huge gun debacle, and his franchise player days are almost certainly as far behind him as they possibly could be.

But if Arenas can get his act together during a full offseason and stay healthy, the Knicks certainly shouldn't completely disregard him. If he's motivated enough, Arenas just may end up surprising and shining on the biggest basketball stage in the world. 

Either way, signing a talent like Arenas for cheap is the ultimate hit-or-miss for New York, especially if Agent Zero simply can't handle the pressure.