Okay, this is 100% a stretch, but it came into my head because of the games in Chicago. During the 2010-11 season, the Chicago Bulls under Thibs started 9-8. They went on to finish an absolutely ludicrous 53-12 for a record of 62-20. All behind a special PG and a bruising defense. I'm not saying this Knicks team will go anywhere near 62-20, the league is too talented and deep right now. But, I think we could say this team has found something and with some good health luck... and it brought this comparison to mind.
Just to compare the lineups of the 10-11 Bulls with this year's Knicks:
PG DRose / PG Brunson - two special PGs in two very different ways, DRose was probably the better player (hell he won MVP, even if that was mainly the league's reporters trying to stick one in Bron's eye for going to Miami)
SG Keith Bogans / SG Quentin Grimes - two defensive wings who could lock down the other team's best perimeter threat and hit an open 3. Grimes has a much higher volume on 3s and way more room for growth in his game, but the defensive philosophy is the same
SF Luol Deng / SF RJ Barrett - two bruising, offensively gifted slashers with streaky outside games. Deng was far bigger and a way better defender
PF Carlos Boozer / PF Julius Randle - two bruising PFs who can easily bully their way to 20 and 10. The way Randle is playing right now he's better on both ends than Boozer, with way more range on his shot.
C Joakim Noah / C Mitchell Robinson - Noah was a defensive savant, but anchored the Bulls all world defense. Mitch is doing a hell of a job developing into a real defensive anchor, albeit maybe not as nimble on the perimeter as Noah was.
That Bulls squad finished 1st in defensive rating (99.5) and 11th in offensive rating (107.2). Since the win streak started, the Knicks are 1st in defensive rating (99.0) and 12th in offensive rating (113.5).
Obviously this is a bit of a stretch... though I think we're seeing that the lineup structure is quite similar. We finally have a Thibs lineup with a wing stopper, a rim protecting anchor and an offense with a special PG steering the ship. I'm not saying 62 wins are remotely possible, but I'm suggesting with health... this continuing feels possible. #53wins?
I love the effort here. The biggest difference, obviously, is Rose (who was on track to be one of the greatest players in NBA history and a force of nature not unlike Ja now, but better) and Brunson, who just doesn't exert that level of pressure on a defense. And you know I LOVE Brunson. But also don't sleep on Deng. He was an All-Star in 2011 and for as much as he was very much a No. 3, he never took ANYTHING off the table and was all defense during that time. RJ has a ways to go, especially on defense. If anything, I think Grimes more closely approximates Deng's game to game impact.
Oh I agree about RJ. If anything, looking at this team I think upgrading RJ to more of a Deng type would be the way to go. OG Anunoby anyone? Anunoby is more Deng-like to me. But Grimes is better than what those Bulls had at SG. Just structurally, between the two teams, if you squint... you can kind of see a similar team-building philosophy there. A roster construction clearly that works for Thibs. (And wasn't trying to say Brunson was anywhere near as good as Rose, just that he's a special PG in his own way. That early version of Rose was one of my favorite players in the league)
Ironically just read a Begley report that before the winning streak someone on the Knicks reached out to the Raptors about OG. OG would be a target I'd be highly interested in.
That is pretty wild...I don't think OG in place of RJ makes the Knicks a contender though (and actually think RJ could be the better player than OG in a few years), but yeah, if that dude came on the market...
To me, the move I would think extremely long and hard about would be an OG for RJ trade next summer when RJ's poison pill is not an issue. Imagine a defensive lineup featuring Grimes, OG, and Mitch.
(Did I just make a trade machine 3-way trade that could work between the Raptors, Knicks, and Lakers right now featuring OG, RJ, and Cam? I plead the fifth!)
Well done. That is the Thibs team I have been dreaming of, lusting for in NY. I wish Mitch could do more offensively. Noah was like a second point guard at times. When he had the ball at the top of the key he could hit guys cutting into the paint and along the baseline. I was hoping that Thibs would use Hart, given his passing abilities, in a similar fashion with the second unit. That bag of tricks could open up that unit's offensive output and put real strains on their opponent's defense.
Interesting comparison...Never thought about it. Few obvious differences: the Bulls could actually shoot (they had Korver) and Boozer was actually a fixture on team USA as he was just a smart winning type player - different roles but I would definitely say Booz was a way better all around winning type player.
Randle is so mercurial - some weeks I'd say he's way better than Boozer, some weeks I'd say Boozer was far better. Boozer was definitely more consistently the good version of himself - the guy was a metronome.
I was at this game and it was incredible. Pacers fans were so pissed! Brunson is magic. It doesn't always translate to me in TV but playing against these Knicks must be exhausting they are constantly bumping and banging their opponent with thick MFs.
To all of those who populate the let’s fire the coach and open the window and get out ledge club, and I know for a fact that for most of you this club is a secret society, I only got one thing to say to all of you this morning.
Trying to keep it real here, but . . . Is Jalen Brunson possibly the star the Knicks were searching for? When the game has reached THE MOMENT, a star is one who makes the play. He did it yet again last night. Let's remember he's 27, drafted #33 in 2018. He's had to play the point in Dallas but he was never the go-to guy of course, so are we now just seeing the maturation of Jalen Brunson? Can we expect even more in the next 4 years here? I think that's a reasonable, "real" possibility. He's going to be a star if he isn't already.
He's not that level of player, I don't think, although looking back at Billups on those Pistons teams, Brunson can't be what he was on defense, obviously, but on offense? Not insane IMO.
Great article as always, but one line sticks out for me. "Perhaps this time the answer is different, thanks in large part to…", of course you are referring to Brunson. Two years ago when things got cooking, it was the addition of D Rose into the lineup to give the Knicks a legit point guard that seemed to be the spark. Last year Rose is hurt and back to the mess that was the point. Add Brunson plus Grimes and McBride and you get much better play from everyone else. That being said, where does Obi fit into the equation when he returns? The nine man rotation has to be here to stay, short of an injury (and that being said - one of the Knicks strengths is their depth) how do you see things playing out when Toppin is back?
Obi is the small elephant in the room and getting larger. I think Obi just has to play when he's back, they've stuck with him for this long, but I also don't envy the position they're in
He should play, Just like Grimes should of played once he was ready. Toppin should play and get the ball/be in action because the bench can't score and he can. I’ve never seen an organization more paralyzed by the thought of change. Unless this related to some kind of locker room issue Obi’s 14 mins shouldn’t be an elephant. If it is you cutting WAY to fine a balance
Far be it from me to tell Thibs anything about managing a game, but Randle is looking exhausted in the 4th quarter most of the time. After all, he is a BIG man who plays a major role on this team. I was shocked that he could make 6 straight FTs in the final minutes. He's done it before -- was it in Denver or Utah? -- but this is a player you have to admire. He does seem to have the right stuff, after all.
Yes! I’ve said a few times that it was Brunson’s leadership that made me most hopeful about the signing - and that with the obvious backing of the FO and Thibs behind him, Randle would ultimately recognize that it was Brunson’s team and fall in line. It may be my own wishful thinking, but it felt like the last 10 games we’ve seen that shift really take place, with the Chicago OT game really nailing down and aligning around that new structure. Awesome to watch.
Jon, I think I know who you are referring to about trading JR. Me too by the way. I think our dream for JR as the season started was for him to play like this......so we could get good value for him. But he seems to have taken his performance to a point where some of us are thinking we might be better off with him. WOW, that is hard to believe. Great job by Julius, but, call me stubborn, I am going to stand by my flag of trading him while his value is high. He is just so ......something......that I have had enough of his ups and downs. It may be hard to prove or believe right now, but I think you were right and we should still trade him. Maybe once we lose a few. So maybe I am in favor of keeping him around for as long as this streak and good vibes continue, but let's not wait to long for the trade, I believe we are still better off without his inconsistent motor and defense, turnovers, and iso heavy play.
Hypothetical question...if the Knicks were to one day land the "guy" either through trade or free agency...which position do you think it's ideal that he play? With Grimes as a keeper...I think that potential star would be our next SF (assuming Barrett goes out in the trade)...or maybe center?
I am starting to think that the Knicks landing "the guy" is pie in the sky thinking...It may be time to focus on steady incremental growth like an OG Anunoby for R Barrett (with a few picks) type of upgrade....
I've never really watched him play, but from what I've heard he would be the type of player that would help them. Does he shoot it well from outside? Why would the Raptors make that deal?...maybe for the picks.
Is it only me, Mitch deserved a Star for the Indiana Game. He made Myles Turner an after thought. I remember people calling for a Mitchell for Turner Trade. Mitch’s 4 blocks, rebounding Rim Protection, pick and roll defense. He’ll he deserved 4 stars.
So not only did the wrong edition of the newsletter go out today, but the correction email I just sent forgot to mention that I also added an honorable mention section in which I mention Mitch. A banner day for me indeed. In short, Mitch was awesome.
I'm pretty sure that Mitch remembers the Turner love from sections of the Knicks fan base. He abused Turner in preseason too. Add Turner to Ayton, Gafford, and the other Cs that Mitch elevates his game for.
I disagree on Capela. He's looked good against him (all from memory) the last 2 years. He held his own against Adams and Embiid recently. He's not going to be great every night. He's not an All-Star.
No one does well against Jokic. I don't think that's fair to knock Mitch on that. Who would be better than Mitch? (not KAT; and I'm not sold that Ayton can be better defensively)
Mitch is not Patrick Ewing (who also would occassionally get roasted by Hakeem, the Admiral and Rik Smits). Let's appreciate him for who he is and how he's gotten better
Did you see jokic’s line yesterday?? Crazy stuff. Yea I can’t think of a center I’d rather have than Mitch at his salary range. Ayton embiid bam jokic are the only guys off the top of my head who will be a lot better over the next few years. Maybe Rudy too.
Reading the comments section in here is so refreshing. Props to Macri and all of you. Well thought out, funny, pleasant conversation with none of the nastiness and noise. Go New York Go New York Go!
Bruh, I would even surmise that pro athletes are worse than others bc, they most likely were good at an early age, and coddled from then... so I'll "see" your comment, and raise you one! Hahaha.... seriously, very valid point!
Did we all just wake up inside of someone's idea of yet another cruel joke to be played on Knicks fans? The Knicks are on a heater, look like a cohesive unit that was designed to be so and Julius Randle is as engaged as a rookie getting his first real shot. I'm takin' not and living in the moment. Enjoying every win and not thinking too much about if it will last. Maybe it really did just take time and some clearly defined roles (credit Thibs) to help these guys find it. I love what I'm watching and preparing myself to not care if/when it all unravels and/or all these starters knees rupture from playing 40 mins a night. Randle's explanation that the switching D does make sense as he does get lost out there and focusing on the guy in front of him logically makes it easier, but....would much rather him own his lack of effort previously. It's not the scheme dude, it's that for some reason you decided to care (and/or got embarrassed by a teammate or two that played in a G league game the previous night and making 1/30 the $$ caring more about the team's success than you did).
I’m a true blue Randle can’t be the best player on a contending team. I don’t know if anything will change my mind until we win a playoff series. I’m definitely enjoying this winning streak, and I wonder where the kids (McBride, Grimes) would have been if they got these minutes last year when everyone was calling for more minutes. I am disappointed that this run comes without Obi though if only for the optics. It feels like the we here year, everything was run for Randle and defensively they played to his strengths). After the playoffs they made a conscious effort to move away from that (Evan Kemba more RJ usage) and also a change in def to cover for the 2 bad defenders. I feel we are back to running everything to boost Randle’s strengths. My question is this. They obviously knew Randle couldn’t be the best player on a championship team, so are they changing the strategy to a Raptors pre championship plan and do you agree? (win some playoff series for a few years, but fall short, trade beloved homegrown player for NBA superstar and win a championship)
No disagreement, I don't think anyone with the team thinks he can be that. Re: tailoring to Randle's strengths, I think it's ok because all the young players are eating and it would be super easy to adjust this offense and defense to a better player in Randle's spot. And re: Raps, I think they still know they need a star. So yes, in a sense, bc the Raps flipped DeRozan for a real no. 1 and got a chip out of it
randle is like the NFT market.. get out before the bottom drops out..
he is playing real well on both ends no doubt. but this is the opportunity we have been waiting for.. when he rebuilds his value to a level where he can be moved for an asset..
i dont see it happening with OBI on the Injured List but trading Randle still has to be a conversation.
Okay, this is 100% a stretch, but it came into my head because of the games in Chicago. During the 2010-11 season, the Chicago Bulls under Thibs started 9-8. They went on to finish an absolutely ludicrous 53-12 for a record of 62-20. All behind a special PG and a bruising defense. I'm not saying this Knicks team will go anywhere near 62-20, the league is too talented and deep right now. But, I think we could say this team has found something and with some good health luck... and it brought this comparison to mind.
Just to compare the lineups of the 10-11 Bulls with this year's Knicks:
PG DRose / PG Brunson - two special PGs in two very different ways, DRose was probably the better player (hell he won MVP, even if that was mainly the league's reporters trying to stick one in Bron's eye for going to Miami)
SG Keith Bogans / SG Quentin Grimes - two defensive wings who could lock down the other team's best perimeter threat and hit an open 3. Grimes has a much higher volume on 3s and way more room for growth in his game, but the defensive philosophy is the same
SF Luol Deng / SF RJ Barrett - two bruising, offensively gifted slashers with streaky outside games. Deng was far bigger and a way better defender
PF Carlos Boozer / PF Julius Randle - two bruising PFs who can easily bully their way to 20 and 10. The way Randle is playing right now he's better on both ends than Boozer, with way more range on his shot.
C Joakim Noah / C Mitchell Robinson - Noah was a defensive savant, but anchored the Bulls all world defense. Mitch is doing a hell of a job developing into a real defensive anchor, albeit maybe not as nimble on the perimeter as Noah was.
That Bulls squad finished 1st in defensive rating (99.5) and 11th in offensive rating (107.2). Since the win streak started, the Knicks are 1st in defensive rating (99.0) and 12th in offensive rating (113.5).
Obviously this is a bit of a stretch... though I think we're seeing that the lineup structure is quite similar. We finally have a Thibs lineup with a wing stopper, a rim protecting anchor and an offense with a special PG steering the ship. I'm not saying 62 wins are remotely possible, but I'm suggesting with health... this continuing feels possible. #53wins?
I love the effort here. The biggest difference, obviously, is Rose (who was on track to be one of the greatest players in NBA history and a force of nature not unlike Ja now, but better) and Brunson, who just doesn't exert that level of pressure on a defense. And you know I LOVE Brunson. But also don't sleep on Deng. He was an All-Star in 2011 and for as much as he was very much a No. 3, he never took ANYTHING off the table and was all defense during that time. RJ has a ways to go, especially on defense. If anything, I think Grimes more closely approximates Deng's game to game impact.
Oh I agree about RJ. If anything, looking at this team I think upgrading RJ to more of a Deng type would be the way to go. OG Anunoby anyone? Anunoby is more Deng-like to me. But Grimes is better than what those Bulls had at SG. Just structurally, between the two teams, if you squint... you can kind of see a similar team-building philosophy there. A roster construction clearly that works for Thibs. (And wasn't trying to say Brunson was anywhere near as good as Rose, just that he's a special PG in his own way. That early version of Rose was one of my favorite players in the league)
Ironically just read a Begley report that before the winning streak someone on the Knicks reached out to the Raptors about OG. OG would be a target I'd be highly interested in.
That is pretty wild...I don't think OG in place of RJ makes the Knicks a contender though (and actually think RJ could be the better player than OG in a few years), but yeah, if that dude came on the market...
To me, the move I would think extremely long and hard about would be an OG for RJ trade next summer when RJ's poison pill is not an issue. Imagine a defensive lineup featuring Grimes, OG, and Mitch.
(Did I just make a trade machine 3-way trade that could work between the Raptors, Knicks, and Lakers right now featuring OG, RJ, and Cam? I plead the fifth!)
Well done. That is the Thibs team I have been dreaming of, lusting for in NY. I wish Mitch could do more offensively. Noah was like a second point guard at times. When he had the ball at the top of the key he could hit guys cutting into the paint and along the baseline. I was hoping that Thibs would use Hart, given his passing abilities, in a similar fashion with the second unit. That bag of tricks could open up that unit's offensive output and put real strains on their opponent's defense.
Interesting comparison...Never thought about it. Few obvious differences: the Bulls could actually shoot (they had Korver) and Boozer was actually a fixture on team USA as he was just a smart winning type player - different roles but I would definitely say Booz was a way better all around winning type player.
Randle is so mercurial - some weeks I'd say he's way better than Boozer, some weeks I'd say Boozer was far better. Boozer was definitely more consistently the good version of himself - the guy was a metronome.
I was at this game and it was incredible. Pacers fans were so pissed! Brunson is magic. It doesn't always translate to me in TV but playing against these Knicks must be exhausting they are constantly bumping and banging their opponent with thick MFs.
Great game to be at!
To all of those who populate the let’s fire the coach and open the window and get out ledge club, and I know for a fact that for most of you this club is a secret society, I only got one thing to say to all of you this morning.
“Scorching!!!”
https://youtu.be/aBOXYujq7UA
Trying to keep it real here, but . . . Is Jalen Brunson possibly the star the Knicks were searching for? When the game has reached THE MOMENT, a star is one who makes the play. He did it yet again last night. Let's remember he's 27, drafted #33 in 2018. He's had to play the point in Dallas but he was never the go-to guy of course, so are we now just seeing the maturation of Jalen Brunson? Can we expect even more in the next 4 years here? I think that's a reasonable, "real" possibility. He's going to be a star if he isn't already.
He's not that level of player, I don't think, although looking back at Billups on those Pistons teams, Brunson can't be what he was on defense, obviously, but on offense? Not insane IMO.
Great article as always, but one line sticks out for me. "Perhaps this time the answer is different, thanks in large part to…", of course you are referring to Brunson. Two years ago when things got cooking, it was the addition of D Rose into the lineup to give the Knicks a legit point guard that seemed to be the spark. Last year Rose is hurt and back to the mess that was the point. Add Brunson plus Grimes and McBride and you get much better play from everyone else. That being said, where does Obi fit into the equation when he returns? The nine man rotation has to be here to stay, short of an injury (and that being said - one of the Knicks strengths is their depth) how do you see things playing out when Toppin is back?
Obi is the small elephant in the room and getting larger. I think Obi just has to play when he's back, they've stuck with him for this long, but I also don't envy the position they're in
He should play, Just like Grimes should of played once he was ready. Toppin should play and get the ball/be in action because the bench can't score and he can. I’ve never seen an organization more paralyzed by the thought of change. Unless this related to some kind of locker room issue Obi’s 14 mins shouldn’t be an elephant. If it is you cutting WAY to fine a balance
Agree. I think they'll move Hartenstein once Obi is healthy.
Got to be hartensteins minutes! Keep sims going.
Far be it from me to tell Thibs anything about managing a game, but Randle is looking exhausted in the 4th quarter most of the time. After all, he is a BIG man who plays a major role on this team. I was shocked that he could make 6 straight FTs in the final minutes. He's done it before -- was it in Denver or Utah? -- but this is a player you have to admire. He does seem to have the right stuff, after all.
Tough part for Thibs is he needs Randle out there as much as anyone right now
We need Obi back ASAP
Yes! I’ve said a few times that it was Brunson’s leadership that made me most hopeful about the signing - and that with the obvious backing of the FO and Thibs behind him, Randle would ultimately recognize that it was Brunson’s team and fall in line. It may be my own wishful thinking, but it felt like the last 10 games we’ve seen that shift really take place, with the Chicago OT game really nailing down and aligning around that new structure. Awesome to watch.
Awesome indeed!
Jon, I think I know who you are referring to about trading JR. Me too by the way. I think our dream for JR as the season started was for him to play like this......so we could get good value for him. But he seems to have taken his performance to a point where some of us are thinking we might be better off with him. WOW, that is hard to believe. Great job by Julius, but, call me stubborn, I am going to stand by my flag of trading him while his value is high. He is just so ......something......that I have had enough of his ups and downs. It may be hard to prove or believe right now, but I think you were right and we should still trade him. Maybe once we lose a few. So maybe I am in favor of keeping him around for as long as this streak and good vibes continue, but let's not wait to long for the trade, I believe we are still better off without his inconsistent motor and defense, turnovers, and iso heavy play.
think they'll keep him around until/unless they can trade him for a star. Gut feeling
Sounds like you’re ready to get out this unpredictable relationship. Me too.
Hypothetical question...if the Knicks were to one day land the "guy" either through trade or free agency...which position do you think it's ideal that he play? With Grimes as a keeper...I think that potential star would be our next SF (assuming Barrett goes out in the trade)...or maybe center?
I thought about this when you said maybe the Knicks are only one star away from really competing (from your post game).
RJ or Julius. Has to be. Depends on who's available.
Could be for grimes cam iq and lots of picks, especially if the DAL pick keeps looking good. Guy like MPJ, LaVine or DeRozan, PORZINGIS!
I am starting to think that the Knicks landing "the guy" is pie in the sky thinking...It may be time to focus on steady incremental growth like an OG Anunoby for R Barrett (with a few picks) type of upgrade....
I've never really watched him play, but from what I've heard he would be the type of player that would help them. Does he shoot it well from outside? Why would the Raptors make that deal?...maybe for the picks.
Is it only me, Mitch deserved a Star for the Indiana Game. He made Myles Turner an after thought. I remember people calling for a Mitchell for Turner Trade. Mitch’s 4 blocks, rebounding Rim Protection, pick and roll defense. He’ll he deserved 4 stars.
So not only did the wrong edition of the newsletter go out today, but the correction email I just sent forgot to mention that I also added an honorable mention section in which I mention Mitch. A banner day for me indeed. In short, Mitch was awesome.
I'm pretty sure that Mitch remembers the Turner love from sections of the Knicks fan base. He abused Turner in preseason too. Add Turner to Ayton, Gafford, and the other Cs that Mitch elevates his game for.
Love Mitch, but he gets abused by heavy guys like embiid and jokic, who are superb in general, but also the Jusufs and Capelas.
I disagree on Capela. He's looked good against him (all from memory) the last 2 years. He held his own against Adams and Embiid recently. He's not going to be great every night. He's not an All-Star.
No one does well against Jokic. I don't think that's fair to knock Mitch on that. Who would be better than Mitch? (not KAT; and I'm not sold that Ayton can be better defensively)
Mitch is not Patrick Ewing (who also would occassionally get roasted by Hakeem, the Admiral and Rik Smits). Let's appreciate him for who he is and how he's gotten better
Did you see jokic’s line yesterday?? Crazy stuff. Yea I can’t think of a center I’d rather have than Mitch at his salary range. Ayton embiid bam jokic are the only guys off the top of my head who will be a lot better over the next few years. Maybe Rudy too.
Reading the comments section in here is so refreshing. Props to Macri and all of you. Well thought out, funny, pleasant conversation with none of the nastiness and noise. Go New York Go New York Go!
Glad you're enjoying Dan! It's why I love this platform and this space, and why I MUCH rather spend my interaction time on here rather than twitter.
Bruh, I would even surmise that pro athletes are worse than others bc, they most likely were good at an early age, and coddled from then... so I'll "see" your comment, and raise you one! Hahaha.... seriously, very valid point!
Did we all just wake up inside of someone's idea of yet another cruel joke to be played on Knicks fans? The Knicks are on a heater, look like a cohesive unit that was designed to be so and Julius Randle is as engaged as a rookie getting his first real shot. I'm takin' not and living in the moment. Enjoying every win and not thinking too much about if it will last. Maybe it really did just take time and some clearly defined roles (credit Thibs) to help these guys find it. I love what I'm watching and preparing myself to not care if/when it all unravels and/or all these starters knees rupture from playing 40 mins a night. Randle's explanation that the switching D does make sense as he does get lost out there and focusing on the guy in front of him logically makes it easier, but....would much rather him own his lack of effort previously. It's not the scheme dude, it's that for some reason you decided to care (and/or got embarrassed by a teammate or two that played in a G league game the previous night and making 1/30 the $$ caring more about the team's success than you did).
nah I think this is legit. I really do. And 100% on Randle, but we'll never get that from him. Oh well.
I’m a true blue Randle can’t be the best player on a contending team. I don’t know if anything will change my mind until we win a playoff series. I’m definitely enjoying this winning streak, and I wonder where the kids (McBride, Grimes) would have been if they got these minutes last year when everyone was calling for more minutes. I am disappointed that this run comes without Obi though if only for the optics. It feels like the we here year, everything was run for Randle and defensively they played to his strengths). After the playoffs they made a conscious effort to move away from that (Evan Kemba more RJ usage) and also a change in def to cover for the 2 bad defenders. I feel we are back to running everything to boost Randle’s strengths. My question is this. They obviously knew Randle couldn’t be the best player on a championship team, so are they changing the strategy to a Raptors pre championship plan and do you agree? (win some playoff series for a few years, but fall short, trade beloved homegrown player for NBA superstar and win a championship)
No disagreement, I don't think anyone with the team thinks he can be that. Re: tailoring to Randle's strengths, I think it's ok because all the young players are eating and it would be super easy to adjust this offense and defense to a better player in Randle's spot. And re: Raps, I think they still know they need a star. So yes, in a sense, bc the Raps flipped DeRozan for a real no. 1 and got a chip out of it
I think the simple answer is they switched the strategy to win games in the here and now. I don't think they are thinking championship at all.
Great Game......thank you Knicks & Great Newsletter........thank you Jonathan! It all becomes a Great Holiday Present!
randle is like the NFT market.. get out before the bottom drops out..
he is playing real well on both ends no doubt. but this is the opportunity we have been waiting for.. when he rebuilds his value to a level where he can be moved for an asset..
i dont see it happening with OBI on the Injured List but trading Randle still has to be a conversation.
happy holiday to you and your Jon.
Happy holidays to you as well!