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10:14 AM ET 01.30 | Coming into the season, the New York Knicks' depth was something that was to be considered a major strength. However one vital weapon off the bench has been missing for much of the season -- sharpshooter Steve Novak. Novak parlayed his success last season in which he led the NBA in three-point shooting into a four-year deal, but so far this year, that contract hasn't paid off on a consistent basis. It's not that Novak is having a bad year. The problem is that Knicks head coach Mike Woodson must find ways to get him more involved in the offense. Novak is shooting 44.3 percent from behind the arc, which is good for third in the NBA and above his career average. But the problem is that he isn't getting many looks at the basket. That has been especially true in the month of January where the Marquette product is only averaging 1.7 three-point shots made per game. Again, that isn't the problem. The problem has been that he is only taking 3.7 shots per game. If Novak isn't getting the opportunity to get shots up, then it is almost pointless to give him minutes since he doesn't provide value anywhere else. His attempts have trended down every month of the season. In November, the seven-year pro averaged 5.1 three-point attempts per game, which is fine. But that number slipped to 4.4 in December and only 3.7 in January. This month, Novak has taken five or more shoots in a game only four times. In addition, has made just one 3-pointer in his last four games. That is something that has to change.

Steve Novak, Getty Images/ Fernando Medina

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January 31, 2013 05:16 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 04:10 AM ET 01.31 by AC Blue

Looks like New York has the same problem that LA has - they don't use their players' talents in an optimal manner.

This guy Novak is so limited in his game. I don't even think he dares to dribble the basket into the paint and pull up for a jumper or floater etc.

It is what it is. He sits at the line waiting for the ball and hoping his guy doesn't return immediately, in time to shoot.

Bukowski

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January 31, 2013 08:23 AM ET

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The guy had a good season last year. He has always been a good shooter but he has only had one good season what did you expect from him?

Detroitsportsisthebe…

Detroit , MI

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January 31, 2013 09:42 AM ET

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Better Work On Your Game, Bro.

I Love LA

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January 31, 2013 10:05 AM ET

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It's not his shooting that keeps him off the floor. It's his defense. He doesn't have the speed to keep up with a 3 and can't bang in the paint with a 4. Also, his 3 pt shooting is great, but he has no moves in the paint. I agree it would be good to give him more shots, but the rest of the team needs to pick up his slack, which makes more minutes tough to come by.

Red Mamba

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January 31, 2013 11:34 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 07:07 AM ET 01.31 by LTCFisback

Novak is a one dimensional player. He's strictly a wide open stand still jump shooter.

OK.....I gotta agree with the LTC on this one.
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Novak is to the Knicks, what Bonner is to the Spurs.....and he has exactly the same skill set.
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NOT.....the type of player you want to count on for consistent offensive output.....[b]NOT the type of player to be a 'go-to' guy.
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Role player....nothing more.

Retired Army in San…

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January 31, 2013 11:35 AM ET

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OK.....I gotta agree with the LTC on this one.
..
Novak is to the Knicks, what Bonner is to the Spurs.....and he has exactly the same skill set.
..
NOT.....the type of player you want to count on for consistent offensive output.....NOT the type of player to be a 'go-to' guy.
..
Role player....nothing more.