New York Knicks: Once Again, Defense Is Still The Real Issue
Carmelo Anthony, Phil Jackson and injuries are just distractions from the New York Knicks’ actual issue: inconsistent effort and energy on defense.
The New York Knicks have given themselves and the masses reasons to be distracted. Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson are allegedly feuding, Kristaps Porzingis and Lance Thomas are injured, and trade rumors are swirling.
For as distracting as that all may be, the true problem with the Knicks is none of the above.
New York is 18-24 overall, 12-9 at home, and 6-15 on the road in 2016-17. The team’s shortcomings have been accredited to a number of different issues, but the reality of the situation is that it all comes down to one recurring theme.
Team morale is undeniably important, but the Knicks are losing games because they aren’t playing at a high enough level on defense.
New York is currently allowing an average of 108.3 points allowed per game—No. 25 in the NBA. The Knicks are also allowing an average of 108.0 points allowed per 100 possessions—also No. 25 in the Association.
For perspective, no team that’s allowing at least 106.0 points per 100 possessions has a record above .500.
If the Knicks are going to turn this season around, then they must improve on the defensive end of the floor. Thus, while the headlines about Anthony and Jackson’s relationship may be attractive, they’re not nearly as important as they seem.
Anthony won’t be traded unless he wants to be, but the defense will only improve if the players try harder.
New York may not have the personnel to be an elite defensive team, but they should be better than this. New York had less defensive talent a season ago and allowed just 104.8 points per 100 possessions—3.2 less than the 2016-17 squad is letting up.
Thus, one can’t help but question what it is that has the Knicks playing at such a poor level—and the answer is the starters.
Thus far in 2016-17, the Knicks have defensive ratings of 110.2 with Anthony on the floor, 109.6 with Joakim Noah, 109.5 with Derrick Rose, and 109.0 with Courtney Lee.
New York also has defensive ratings of 103.4 without Anthony on the floor, 106.8 without Noah, 105.8 without Rose, and 106.7 without Lee.
As a unit, the starting lineup of Rose, Lee, Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and Noah has a defensive rating of 109.6.
With Rose and Anthony both wavering in their effort, Lee is forced to pick up the slack. Lee is a high-level role player who excels on both ends of the floor, but he’s not an elite defender who can make up for both of his perimeter complements providing lackluster energy.
Thus, it’s on Rose and Anthony to improve their defensive consistency, and Jeff Hornacek to build the best possible rotations.
The reserves are defending at a far more respectable level, which is a product of energy and effort. It’s easier to channel energy and effort when one’s playing time is limited and their role is defined, but there’s a glaring difference between the starters and the reserves in how hard they try.
Thus, while it may be distrating to discuss whether or not everyone is getting along, effort should never have been an issue—and yet, both Anthony and Brandon Jennings have publicly admitted it is.
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For as tough as it may be to look past the recent drama, the New York Knicks’ issues are still basketball related—and it all starts on defense.