The New York Knicks, beneath head coach Tom Thibodeau, aren’t identified for taking part in all of their depth performs. By means of three video games, the 1-2 Knicks sometimes solely play an eight-man rotation, which has brought on damage issues for Thibodeau-led groups prior to now.
The Knicks might have extra depth, however their new staff tradition of gritty, defensive-minded gamers like OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges makes it troublesome to discover a participant who matches. Nonetheless, they might strike a cope with their rivals, the Indiana Pacers.
After shedding James Wiseman to damage, the Pacers desperately want assist in their frontcourt, particularly in shot blocking and rebounding. The Knicks look like doing simply high quality as Mitchell Robinson recovers from an damage, and as he eyes a January return, the Knicks might flip him.
Indiana, determined to proper the ship after its 1-3 begin to the season, might should overpay for Robinson, who averaged 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 31 video games final season.
Whereas Robinson’s lengthy restoration will not make him an prompt affect participant, the Pacers really feel making the playoffs will not be a no brainer and could be desirous about parting methods with Jarace Walker, amongst different matching salaries. , to make Robinson their backup.
Walker averaged simply 3.7 factors and 1.9 rebounds in his first two NBA seasons, however his power, physicality and defensive expertise could be a great match for the Knicks. In Indiana, he did not get an opportunity to blossom or develop, however beneath Bridges and Anunoby, he might very properly develop right into a top-level two-way defender.
The Knicks traded away 5 first-round picks to land Bridges, so attracting younger expertise isn’t any simple activity. By including Walker, the Knicks might strengthen their bench and have a low-risk draft with a really, very excessive ceiling. All they should do now’s persuade their determined rival to make a deal.
Extra NBA: Pacers might look to accumulate Lakers’ high commerce goal abruptly
