The non-trades for Levine and Embiid, for all if not many of the Knicks best picks, and some players (depending upon which one) whether they were ever on the table or not, have proved to be the best non-moves of the year. Injury histories should always be taken into consideration regardless of how great a player is, no matter what.
1) If I could give a 1/2 star shoutout to Achiuwa's defense on Lebron. I know Lebron ended up with a decent (not great) stat line but he had to work for that 24 pts and he played over 40 mins in a game he rested up and was psyched to play. Achiuwa played 42 mins on Saturday (something NO one would have even imagined would be a thing ever 2 or 3 games in after the OG trade). I don't know how Achiuwa fits into Knicks plans during / after this trade period and or new contract this summer, but I think it's safe to say that he's turned from afterthought to serious consideration as a permanent team piece (not necessarily a main rotation piece but as a competent piece that could be used in the 4 or 5 spot).
2) While it's not ideal the situation that the Knicks are in at the moment, there are significantly important minutes that McBride and Sims are playing that to my opinion are beneficial to the team as they go down the stretch. While in a playoff series I can't see either getting any minutes unless in a "break glass in case of emergency" moment - both players have acquitted themselves well over the past month or so. Both appear to be playing with confidence and a belief in themselves that they both belong on the court and can contribute during their time on the court.
3) Loved the "50 and Fabulous" points made in today's newsletter. I was making a similar point about how the Knicks under Thibs have played their best ball coming down the stretch in the "We Here" season and last year. Last year made me a believer in Thibs as a coach that can (not be confused with will) get us to an NBA Finals. If I sound Pollyanna-ish in some of my comments regarding the Knicks season this year, it's partially because I've seen how the Knicks have seemed to follow the pattern of starting off slow. Thibs and the FO / Analytical team seem to have the perspective of taking the 1st Quarter of the season to assess the team and rotations, 2nd Quarter to make adjustments to rotations and look to make trades (D. Rose / J. Hart / O. G.) and the 3rd and 4th Quarters of the season locking in for the playoffs.
4) Just a random thought - Saturday's game reminded me of the 20 - 21 Knicks playoff series against the Hawks when Randle would get blitzed consistently with no one having the ability to share the scoring / playmaking load. Not to say that Brunson wasn't making better decisions on Saturday than Randle did in that series but more an example of the fact of how hard it is to win when you only have one offensive engine on the floor that has to be guarded. Also it's an example of just how well the Knicks have done (and Thibs has coached) during this stretch of missing players and JB being the sole playmaker.
5) FWIW - Even if OG and Grimes are not back for all three games, IMO I believe the Knicks go 2-1 or 3 - 0 the next 3 games. The biggest difference maker in Saturday's game was AD's suffocating defense in the paint (Knicks couldn't drive and even when they were getting offensive boards they had to kick the ball out instead of going back up because of AD's intimidation at the rim). They don't have any back to backs (so they can get some rest) and they are facing average to below average defenses (Pacers are 12th, Mavs are 15th and Grizz are 24th). Unless Luka goes Super Saian (which ain't out of the realm of possibility) or the Knicks start showing the wear and tear of these heavy minutes in their shooting (which again ain't out of the realm of possibility but I like I-Hart, J Hart Achiuwa on the boards and in the paint against all of these teams), I like their odds against all 3 teams.
Love all of these Phil. 2-1 is very reasonable, although I have a hard time thinking we're winning that Indiana game without OG if Hali is a full go. It feels like they owe us one. Then again, I'd argue we owe Dallas a few. We shall see.
And thank you for shouting out Precious. That's a bad job by me not doing so, because the dude did as good a job on LeBron as anyone could have.
There is no doubt that the Knicks must make a move, maybe even two. We simply cannot have Jalen (and everyone else) play the minutes they have. Jalen in particular has been double and triple teamed, which besides the minutes, is simple impossible to overcome and stay healthy.
My proposal is Detroit sends the Knicks old friend Burks and Bogs for Fournier, Ryan A., Flynn, Jeffries as well as sending back Detroit’s protected one that the Knicks own and the Dallas first this year. It works on the ESPN Ttade Machine so hopefully it works in real life.
It brings back two quality rotation guys and lose zero rotation guys. And it still leaves a bevy of first round picks for the unicorn trade we have all been waiting for (scratch Embiid from the list).
I'm personally a fan of seeing AB back on the Knicks. I think he brings the secondary playmaking they need, knows Thibs system, can hit 3s space the floor and drive to the basket, appears to be comfortable coming off the bench, seems like he would fit in with the Culture having been here before, in a pinch can spot start for JB (not what any of us would want to see) and can competently play the 1 -3 for rotational flexibility. I know him being an expiring contract is not ideal but IMO I like his fit for this team better than any of the other options I've seen floated around. I can't imagine the Knicks are not trading any of the Nova players as long as JB is on this team in his role so any trade involving Ryan A is IMO a non-starter unless it was a capital S superstar player. I would not however trade any significant assets (i.e. any of our own 1st round pics or the Mavs pick) to get AB. I think Bogdanovic is a very talented offensive player / 3 pt shooter I but struggle to see how he would fit on this Thibs team defensively and would he be happy at 15ish mins a game playing with the 2nd unit?
No thanks on Burks… he’s just stale to me.. like a $1.50 Costco hot dog. Sustenance versatile for its price and length but do you really want to be eating that?
Precious is looking like a perfect back-up 4-5 so I wouldn't mess around there. Hart and Grimes each have skills that fill needs.
After THE TRADE we were the best team in the NBA, and when everyone was healthy, the only player in the 9-man rotation that we could consider replacing is McBride. Okay, I hear you! He's our homegrown young player, a coming-of-age shooter, and a more than adequate defensive force, but we need more than that from him. We need point guard skills, the ability to organize the offense to attach a defense. Deuce just isn't that guy.
So my candidate for acquisition has got to be Alec Burks. If his contract isn't perfect, his skill set and personality make up for it. Leon: Go Get Him!
Never had the Costco dog but if it's anything like the Sam's dog I'll put up my $1.50! 😂. For the skill set that (I believe anyway) the Knicks are looking for along with potential cost, I feel like AB would offer one of the highest cost / benefit ratios available to the team.
Brogdon is a really good bench player (as his 6MOY last year proved) but his injury history scares me (both in availability to play for the team and if/when he needs to be traded) and I'm not comfortable that he will fit in with team culture (can't put my finger on it but and I could be just pulling this out my Ass as I can't know but he just strikes me as not a good team chemistry guy). Murray would need to start (can't imagine him or Klutch wanting him to come here to play 20 mins a game) and his play (particularly on the defense) has not been the same since he got traded from the Spurs. He's not a reliable shooter and needs to have the ball in his hands to be most effective (which is a problem with JB and JR on the team). Rather have DDV right where he is than Murray. Jordan Clarkson is a good individual scorer but watching him doesn't give me confidence that he is a consistent high effort player on either end (but especially on defense) which is a pre-requisite to get any real minutes in a Thibs rotation. I also don't see where his presence on the 2nd team would lift up the rest of the rotation - he's not that good a playmaker from what I've seen and while his shooting can make him a floor spacer, the Knicks have that right now with Grimes and McBride on the 2nd team. And no way I would want to see Clarkson in a start spot replacing JB.
The first thought that I had after the game was Randle-centric, and was as follows: We as a fanbase take for granted much of what Randle does on-court for this Knicks team. But it’s not just about the stats he produces, and the looks he creates from 3 for his teammates. It is his presence, which completely alters the opponent’s scheme and defensive approach.
While players like AD, Giannis, and Bam, are all outstanding individual 1v1 defenders in their own rights, where they all truly excel is in a “roamer” role where they have the freedom to do what they want on defense. This is what we saw with AD, as he regularly stepped up to the perimeter to double (or triple) Brunson, and slide back down to the rim and act as a shot deterrent/blocker. He was able to completely change the game because of this. The impact of not having Randle directly led to AD dominating on defense, since AD was not completely occupied by a Randle matchup, which he usually is.
I agree a trade is coming. We need to flip Fournier for something useful. $19 million is way too much to just be sitting on the bench
Ideally, I’d keep Grimes and trade Fournier and a pick for a secondary creator. That would suck for Deuce. He’s played well and I hate the idea of him losing his rotation spot to a deadline acquisition for the second year in a row. But we need another guy for nut-cutting time in the playoffs. And we need depth
If anything, Deuce has shown he can slide into the Grimes 3-and-D off-ball guard role if we end up trading Grimes this summer
At least it’s not Burks. When we had him we were screaming he’s playing way too much and now we want him back albeit in a lesser role. Idk I rather have Brogdon even though he’s like a robot/Obama personality wise, stoic dude.
Oh darn, I thought we'd go undefeated for the rest of the year. Even if we were at full strength, nothing was for sure. That's why we watch the games. Isn't it? Every streak winning and losing comes to an end. Really can't decide if I'm for a trade or not. Would love another player like OG though.😀
Achiuwa is like an evolved Noelle…loose w ball, seems he has a difficult time with body control
sometimes and finishing bunnies. Doesn’t have Rock hands like Noelle but maybe he has like pebble hands. There is a reason he’s been traded too many times to be a valuable player. If he can tighten up his drives, finish down low a bit more, and get to like 34% on 3s he’s golden, oh and would be expensive.
Part of me thinks that with this the Knicks as good as they’ve been since the OG trade staying out could be fine. Grimes and McBride are still improving in their roles. The team has been hot what’s the urgency on a trade?
Right now, the Knicks have no real bench, no backup PG and no creator. Deuce is a nice back up small 2 but is not a PG. Plus, we have no way of knowing when any of the injured guys will be back.
And with Embiid down, we have a real shot at #3 or #4 seed and home court in the first round.
The non-trades for Levine and Embiid, for all if not many of the Knicks best picks, and some players (depending upon which one) whether they were ever on the table or not, have proved to be the best non-moves of the year. Injury histories should always be taken into consideration regardless of how great a player is, no matter what.
My silver lining thoughts.....
1) If I could give a 1/2 star shoutout to Achiuwa's defense on Lebron. I know Lebron ended up with a decent (not great) stat line but he had to work for that 24 pts and he played over 40 mins in a game he rested up and was psyched to play. Achiuwa played 42 mins on Saturday (something NO one would have even imagined would be a thing ever 2 or 3 games in after the OG trade). I don't know how Achiuwa fits into Knicks plans during / after this trade period and or new contract this summer, but I think it's safe to say that he's turned from afterthought to serious consideration as a permanent team piece (not necessarily a main rotation piece but as a competent piece that could be used in the 4 or 5 spot).
2) While it's not ideal the situation that the Knicks are in at the moment, there are significantly important minutes that McBride and Sims are playing that to my opinion are beneficial to the team as they go down the stretch. While in a playoff series I can't see either getting any minutes unless in a "break glass in case of emergency" moment - both players have acquitted themselves well over the past month or so. Both appear to be playing with confidence and a belief in themselves that they both belong on the court and can contribute during their time on the court.
3) Loved the "50 and Fabulous" points made in today's newsletter. I was making a similar point about how the Knicks under Thibs have played their best ball coming down the stretch in the "We Here" season and last year. Last year made me a believer in Thibs as a coach that can (not be confused with will) get us to an NBA Finals. If I sound Pollyanna-ish in some of my comments regarding the Knicks season this year, it's partially because I've seen how the Knicks have seemed to follow the pattern of starting off slow. Thibs and the FO / Analytical team seem to have the perspective of taking the 1st Quarter of the season to assess the team and rotations, 2nd Quarter to make adjustments to rotations and look to make trades (D. Rose / J. Hart / O. G.) and the 3rd and 4th Quarters of the season locking in for the playoffs.
4) Just a random thought - Saturday's game reminded me of the 20 - 21 Knicks playoff series against the Hawks when Randle would get blitzed consistently with no one having the ability to share the scoring / playmaking load. Not to say that Brunson wasn't making better decisions on Saturday than Randle did in that series but more an example of the fact of how hard it is to win when you only have one offensive engine on the floor that has to be guarded. Also it's an example of just how well the Knicks have done (and Thibs has coached) during this stretch of missing players and JB being the sole playmaker.
5) FWIW - Even if OG and Grimes are not back for all three games, IMO I believe the Knicks go 2-1 or 3 - 0 the next 3 games. The biggest difference maker in Saturday's game was AD's suffocating defense in the paint (Knicks couldn't drive and even when they were getting offensive boards they had to kick the ball out instead of going back up because of AD's intimidation at the rim). They don't have any back to backs (so they can get some rest) and they are facing average to below average defenses (Pacers are 12th, Mavs are 15th and Grizz are 24th). Unless Luka goes Super Saian (which ain't out of the realm of possibility) or the Knicks start showing the wear and tear of these heavy minutes in their shooting (which again ain't out of the realm of possibility but I like I-Hart, J Hart Achiuwa on the boards and in the paint against all of these teams), I like their odds against all 3 teams.
LFGK...
Love all of these Phil. 2-1 is very reasonable, although I have a hard time thinking we're winning that Indiana game without OG if Hali is a full go. It feels like they owe us one. Then again, I'd argue we owe Dallas a few. We shall see.
And thank you for shouting out Precious. That's a bad job by me not doing so, because the dude did as good a job on LeBron as anyone could have.
Agree AD shut the paint down on our gimmies
There is no doubt that the Knicks must make a move, maybe even two. We simply cannot have Jalen (and everyone else) play the minutes they have. Jalen in particular has been double and triple teamed, which besides the minutes, is simple impossible to overcome and stay healthy.
My proposal is Detroit sends the Knicks old friend Burks and Bogs for Fournier, Ryan A., Flynn, Jeffries as well as sending back Detroit’s protected one that the Knicks own and the Dallas first this year. It works on the ESPN Ttade Machine so hopefully it works in real life.
It brings back two quality rotation guys and lose zero rotation guys. And it still leaves a bevy of first round picks for the unicorn trade we have all been waiting for (scratch Embiid from the list).
I'm personally a fan of seeing AB back on the Knicks. I think he brings the secondary playmaking they need, knows Thibs system, can hit 3s space the floor and drive to the basket, appears to be comfortable coming off the bench, seems like he would fit in with the Culture having been here before, in a pinch can spot start for JB (not what any of us would want to see) and can competently play the 1 -3 for rotational flexibility. I know him being an expiring contract is not ideal but IMO I like his fit for this team better than any of the other options I've seen floated around. I can't imagine the Knicks are not trading any of the Nova players as long as JB is on this team in his role so any trade involving Ryan A is IMO a non-starter unless it was a capital S superstar player. I would not however trade any significant assets (i.e. any of our own 1st round pics or the Mavs pick) to get AB. I think Bogdanovic is a very talented offensive player / 3 pt shooter I but struggle to see how he would fit on this Thibs team defensively and would he be happy at 15ish mins a game playing with the 2nd unit?
No thanks on Burks… he’s just stale to me.. like a $1.50 Costco hot dog. Sustenance versatile for its price and length but do you really want to be eating that?
Precious is looking like a perfect back-up 4-5 so I wouldn't mess around there. Hart and Grimes each have skills that fill needs.
After THE TRADE we were the best team in the NBA, and when everyone was healthy, the only player in the 9-man rotation that we could consider replacing is McBride. Okay, I hear you! He's our homegrown young player, a coming-of-age shooter, and a more than adequate defensive force, but we need more than that from him. We need point guard skills, the ability to organize the offense to attach a defense. Deuce just isn't that guy.
So my candidate for acquisition has got to be Alec Burks. If his contract isn't perfect, his skill set and personality make up for it. Leon: Go Get Him!
it’s like settling for a significant other… eventually he or she isn’t good enough and you leave again…
Regrettably, that's true. Such is the fate of the backup.
Never had the Costco dog but if it's anything like the Sam's dog I'll put up my $1.50! 😂. For the skill set that (I believe anyway) the Knicks are looking for along with potential cost, I feel like AB would offer one of the highest cost / benefit ratios available to the team.
Brogdon is a really good bench player (as his 6MOY last year proved) but his injury history scares me (both in availability to play for the team and if/when he needs to be traded) and I'm not comfortable that he will fit in with team culture (can't put my finger on it but and I could be just pulling this out my Ass as I can't know but he just strikes me as not a good team chemistry guy). Murray would need to start (can't imagine him or Klutch wanting him to come here to play 20 mins a game) and his play (particularly on the defense) has not been the same since he got traded from the Spurs. He's not a reliable shooter and needs to have the ball in his hands to be most effective (which is a problem with JB and JR on the team). Rather have DDV right where he is than Murray. Jordan Clarkson is a good individual scorer but watching him doesn't give me confidence that he is a consistent high effort player on either end (but especially on defense) which is a pre-requisite to get any real minutes in a Thibs rotation. I also don't see where his presence on the 2nd team would lift up the rest of the rotation - he's not that good a playmaker from what I've seen and while his shooting can make him a floor spacer, the Knicks have that right now with Grimes and McBride on the 2nd team. And no way I would want to see Clarkson in a start spot replacing JB.
The first thought that I had after the game was Randle-centric, and was as follows: We as a fanbase take for granted much of what Randle does on-court for this Knicks team. But it’s not just about the stats he produces, and the looks he creates from 3 for his teammates. It is his presence, which completely alters the opponent’s scheme and defensive approach.
While players like AD, Giannis, and Bam, are all outstanding individual 1v1 defenders in their own rights, where they all truly excel is in a “roamer” role where they have the freedom to do what they want on defense. This is what we saw with AD, as he regularly stepped up to the perimeter to double (or triple) Brunson, and slide back down to the rim and act as a shot deterrent/blocker. He was able to completely change the game because of this. The impact of not having Randle directly led to AD dominating on defense, since AD was not completely occupied by a Randle matchup, which he usually is.
DJ Zullo had a FANTASTIC speech/rant about your Julius point on last night's X's and O's. Strongly suggest you take a listen.
Thanks for letting me know, I will give it a listen!
I agree a trade is coming. We need to flip Fournier for something useful. $19 million is way too much to just be sitting on the bench
Ideally, I’d keep Grimes and trade Fournier and a pick for a secondary creator. That would suck for Deuce. He’s played well and I hate the idea of him losing his rotation spot to a deadline acquisition for the second year in a row. But we need another guy for nut-cutting time in the playoffs. And we need depth
If anything, Deuce has shown he can slide into the Grimes 3-and-D off-ball guard role if we end up trading Grimes this summer
The Lakers were smart to double Brunson and limit his impact in the 4th quarter.
Things will be different when OG and Grimes come back.
Things will be different after the trade deadline too when hopefully the Knicks add a shooter and playmaker off the bench.
My choice would be Malcolm Brogdon
Seems like Brunson isn't getting moved based on Woj's report this morning
At least it’s not Burks. When we had him we were screaming he’s playing way too much and now we want him back albeit in a lesser role. Idk I rather have Brogdon even though he’s like a robot/Obama personality wise, stoic dude.
AD was really a beast in this game. Shows how scary he can be when he cares. Don’t feel bad about this loss at all. Was inevitable.
Oh darn, I thought we'd go undefeated for the rest of the year. Even if we were at full strength, nothing was for sure. That's why we watch the games. Isn't it? Every streak winning and losing comes to an end. Really can't decide if I'm for a trade or not. Would love another player like OG though.😀
Knicks wish list no particular order
Mikal this is why it’s a wish list
Oneale cheap buy
Brogdon nothing can go wrong for fit x roy injury
Simons big swing at odds w team
DJ Murray personality + play seems at odds w team
Grant portland big swing
PJ washington JR
Miles B. risky backlash but would be fun losing player
Clarkson “eh” has fell off poss. team he’s on
D Rose plan E if A-C fail lol
Tyus Doesn’t excite me much
Lowery Plan E
T Mann clips valuing him high, he’s older
CP3 love antique cars
Bogie on Hawks > Bogie on Pistons
Achiuwa is like an evolved Noelle…loose w ball, seems he has a difficult time with body control
sometimes and finishing bunnies. Doesn’t have Rock hands like Noelle but maybe he has like pebble hands. There is a reason he’s been traded too many times to be a valuable player. If he can tighten up his drives, finish down low a bit more, and get to like 34% on 3s he’s golden, oh and would be expensive.
Also,
with Embiid shelved, WHY NOT GO FOR IT!!! Get a two-3 seed we have a chance. Let’s upgrade youuuu (Beyoncé)
Whatever happened to Rokas Jokubaitis? When can they call him up? Seems like Knicks need his skillset
That would be a next season thing, if anything
Part of me thinks that with this the Knicks as good as they’ve been since the OG trade staying out could be fine. Grimes and McBride are still improving in their roles. The team has been hot what’s the urgency on a trade?
Right now, the Knicks have no real bench, no backup PG and no creator. Deuce is a nice back up small 2 but is not a PG. Plus, we have no way of knowing when any of the injured guys will be back.
And with Embiid down, we have a real shot at #3 or #4 seed and home court in the first round.
and # 2 seed if we get Alecs Burks