Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros, Cons Of Targeting Thabo Sefolosha

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) drives to the basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) passes the ball back to Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) passes the ball back to Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 111-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: Offensive Limitations

The New York Knicks have more than enough firepower on the offensive end of the floor. Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick Rose alone account for roughly 60 points per game and the supporting cast features quality scorers and shooters.

Nevertheless, one can’t help but be concerned with the fact that Thabo Sefolosha hasn’t developed a go-to skill on the offensive end of the floor.

Sefolosha is the type of player who can get hot, but doesn’t consistently show up on the offensive end of the floor. In many ways, he’s a perimeter version of Joakim Noah—a capable finisher and occasional shooter, but a generally inconsistent threat.

The Knicks’ defense would undoubtedly improve with Sefolosha and Noah on the floor together, but at what expense?

Sefolosha shot 41.9 percent from 3-point range in 2012-13, but has shot no better than 33.9 percent in the four seasons that have followed. That includes 2016-17, during which he’s shooting 31.7 percent from distance through 33 appearances.

Sefolosha has athleticism and range, but if he doesn’t put those tools to consistent use, then how much do they really count for?