Shane Larkin Ready to Take Advantage of Jose Calderon Injury

The New York Knicks installed Shane Larkin as their starting point guard once their heralded triangle offense leader Jose Calderon went down, per Ian Begley of ESPN, with a strained right calf. Larkin, the 18th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, will now have the opportunity he's been waiting for. 

In the three games the Knicks have played, the former Miami Hurricane has used his speed to knife through the defense and has brought intensity to the defensive end of the floor. Larkin was matched up with two of the top point guards in the Eastern Conference, but that didn't faze the 5'11" guard who is averaging close to three points, four assists and three steals. The 22-year-old recently had his third-year option declined by New York, so you can bet that Larkin will use this starting job as a way to prove his worth on the open market. 

Larkin played his rookie season in Dallas behind Calderon. The pair were traded to the Knicks in the deal that sent Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler to Texas. Larkin saw little playing time with the Mavericks but now has the chance to upstage his mentor, who's expected to miss up to three weeks.

With an offense predicated on ball movement, cuts and screens, the career 41 percent three-point shooter was expected to fit in nicely. Couple that with a 3.5 assist-to-turnover ratio and there is a lot to like about Calderon. However, defense isn't his strong suit—but it is a place where Larkin shines. What New York misses in Calderon, Larkin more than makes up for. 

There isn't anything stagnant about Larkin's game. His speed is his biggest draw, allowing him to blow by defenders at will or play the passing lanes. Larkin's transition defense is on point, as evidenced by his five steals in last Thursday's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. On offense, he has used his speed to create havoc in the paint, loop around the defense or cut to the baseline. 

Larkin has averaged 27 minutes in the team's first three games and has taken care of the ball. His teammates are reaping the benefits too, as they have scored a shade over eight points per game on his four assists. Aside from orchestrating the offense and making sure it doesn't bog down, Larkin won't be asked to do much. 

Larkin could be seen swishing and dishing around the court against the Cavaliers, kicking it out to open teammates or dropping it into the post. New York has a trio of guards—including Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr.—who are likely going to assume most of the scoring duties, but they would be hard pressed to overlook Larkin's talent. While at Miami, he started one and a half seasons, averaging 11 points, four assists and two steals. 

His impact on the Hurricanes can't be found in those stats, but rather in how far he pushed his team to victory. Larkin willed his team to win in some of the key matchups en route to a berth in the NCAA Tournament during his sophomore season. He poured in a total of 36 points and 14 assists in routs of Duke and North Carolina during the season, then was recognized for his outstanding play by being named Co-ACC Player of the Year. 

One of the most—if not the most—important players on the Hurricanes roster, Larkin was an offensive force, despite his size. He was comfortable taking his defender one-on-one, executing pick-and-rolls and making great outside shots. His limitations were noticeable, however, and players his size typically haven't garnered starting positions in the NBA (outside of Ty Lawson or Isaiah Thomas). 

During his tenure in Dallas, Larkin played in the crowded backcourt of Calderon, Monta Ellis and Devin Harris. He only played 10 minutes per game and only saw playing time when Harris was dealing with a toe injury. When he did play, Larkin was leading fast breaks and inserting some excitement into the Mavericks' lineup. 

This summer in the Las Vegas Summer League, Larkin saw an abundance of playing time. Arguably the team's second-best performer, he chipped in 12 points, three assists and three steals.

Where Larkin ends up after this season is anybody's guess. The Knicks illustrated their desire to be non-committal by neglecting Larkin's option and failing to extend Shumpert's rookie deal, in the hopes of landing another superstar (or two) over the next two offseasons. 

Larkin will be paid $1.6 million this season, which is the same amount he would be due next season. His teammate Pablo Prigioni's deal is not guaranteed past this season. The Knicks could be in line for a backup to Calderon or Rajon Rondo. You never know. Should Larkin put forth a solid season—stifling opposing point guards, hitting open jump shots and getting his teammates involved—he is due that much.

However, his ability to get his shot off against taller defenders, defend bigger point guards and draw fouls will surely scare off any NBA general manager. Larkin has fewer than three weeks to prove his worth as a starter and has already faced Derrick Rose and Kyrie Irving. This week, he will face John Wall and Deron Williams. 

It's been a while since New York has had a point guard who competes on both ends of the floor like Larkin. Team President Phil Jackson would be wise to keep him.