NBA Free Agency 2012: Best Shooting Guard Option for New York Knicks

With Iman Shumpert missing significant time, the Knicks need someone capable of locking down the shooting guard position. Someone who is not afraid of getting hit on a drive to the basket, but someone who could hit the open look as well. 

I do have a gut feeling the Knicks will re-sign J.R. Smith, but history shows us that Smith is better off the bench than he is in the starting rotation. With that being said, I think the Knicks might be on the hunt for someone. 

Jared Zwerling of ESPN New York tweeted to his followers, "#Knicks could be in the hunt for O.J. Mayo or Randy Foye to add depth to their shooting guard position."

Either of these two would certainly be embraced by New York—I know I would welcome either with open arms. 

O.J. Mayo had a solid season last year with the Memphis Grizzlies. Coming off the bench, he averaged 12.6 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game. While the numbers aren't great, they are respectable, especially for a bench player. Mayo is most certainly better than some starters out there, so expect him to garnish a lot of attention.  

His career averages suggest that he would be a great 2-guard for New York—shooting 43 percent from the field in 301 games. With a career average of 15.2 points per game, if the price is right, I could see the Knicks making Mayo an offer.

Randy Foye is the shooting guard who I believe will help New York the most. During the 2011-12 season, per 36 minutes of playing time, Foye was productive—averaging 15.2 points and 3.1 assists.

He's a 6'4" shooting guard who can do it all—slash, pass and shoot—and if he's truly willing to take the mid-level exception, Foye is a bargain!

Many fans remember the night Foye exploded for 28 points against the Knicks, and although the Clippers lost that game, Foye looked promising and his stock increased...especially for those looking to sign him.

Either way, it would be nice to see either one of these guys playing for the Knicks next season.