Jeff Hornacek publicly questioned if the New York Knicks have the talent to improve on defense. A number of players on the trade market may be able to help.
The New York Knicks are 17-21 overall, 11-8 at home, and 6-13 on the road. The Knicks have gone 1-8 since opening the regular season at 16-13, which directly coincides with their falling apart on the defensive end of the floor.
As the Knicks search for answers, it’s only fair to evaluate the options on the defensive end of the floor.
New York has allowed at least 100 points in 33 of 38 games during the 2016-17 NBA regular season. It’s allowed at least 105 points in 22 different games and has let up at least 110 points in 20 separate outings.
New York has even let up 115 points in 11 of the first 38 games and allowed at least 120 points in two of the past six showings.
Overall, the Knicks rank No. 25 in the NBA in points allowed per game and No. 26 in points allowed per 100 possessions. It’s been an abhorrent season on the defensive end of the floor. Worst of all, one could rationally question if there’s an internal fix.
The question is: which defensive players could be the answer for the Knicks on the trade market? There are quite a few players to consider.