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Knicks Trade Rumors: Defensive-Minded Options As Deadline Nears

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) and head coach Tom Thibodeau against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) and head coach Tom Thibodeau against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 112-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves

Position: Point Guard
Age: 26 (10/21/1990)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .389/.294/.868
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.9 MPG, 8.9 PPG, 8.3 APG, 3.7 RPG, 1.8 SPG

The New York Knicks need a point guard who can facilitate the offense and defend at a high level. There aren’t many who fit the bill, but Ricky Rubio undoubtedly qualifies as one of the select few who provide elite proficiency in both regards.

If the Knicks can put together a package that Tom Thibodeau would agree to—and Derrick Rose could be a good starting point—then this trade could be mutually beneficial.

Fortunately, Rubio is available.

Rubio is a terrible shooter who struggles to convert from beyond the arc and is below the league average at the rim. That’s a terrifying reality that could prevent the Knicks from making a move to acquire the 26-year-old.

What Rubio brings to the table, however, is a combination of elite defense for his position and value that borders on the same as a facilitator.

Rubio has a career average of 8.3 assists per game in six NBA seasons, but that isn’t the full story. He’s one of the most gifted passers in the NBA and has the court vision to help plays develop before defenses can recognize them.

If the Knicks are looking for a player who can keep slashers out of the paint and create a better flow on offense, then Rubio is the perfect point guard to target.

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