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Knicks Trade Rumors: Defensive-Minded Options To Help Jeff Hornacek

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 14, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after a score against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Cleveland 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) celebrates after a score against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Cleveland 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) recovers an outbound ball during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) recovers an outbound ball during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Paul Millsap

Position: Power Forward
Age: 31 (2/10/1985)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .444/.318/.760
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 17.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.7 ORPG, 3.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The term elite shouldn’t be thrown around lightly, but three-time All-Star Paul Millsap may deserve it on the defensive end of the floor. In 2015-16, Millsap was named to the All-Defensive Second Team after leading the Atlanta Hawks to a No. 2 ranking in defensive efficiency.

Thus far in 2016-17, he’s No. 5 in the NBA in Defensive Real Plus-Minus and No. 2 amongst power forwards. With an expiring contract, however, he could be on the move.

Millsap would be an excellent fit alongside Kristaps Porzingis, who could make the move to center. Millsap has the length and power to defend post players at the 5, thus alleviating a physical burden from Porzingis.

He also has the range and athleticism to switch on the pick and roll, step out onto shooters, and get back and solidify New York’s transition defense.

Millsap is easily the best offensive player on this list, as well as one of the Top 25 overall players in the NBA. If New York can swing a move for Millsap, it would be hard to blame team president Phil Jackson for doing so.

For perspective, Atlanta is allowing 100.1 points per 100 possessions with Millsap on the court and 108.0 without him in 2016-17.

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