Daily Knicks
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Thabo Sefolosha, Atlanta Hawks

Position: Guard/Forward
Age: 32 (5/2/1984)
Experience: 11th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .457/.329/.772
2016-17 Season Averages: 25.8 MPG, 7.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.6 3PM

The Atlanta Hawks may be reluctant to trade Thabo Sefolosha without a significant return. If the Hawks prove willing to trade Sefolosha, however, he’d be the perfect player to help stabilize the New York Knicks’ erratic defense.

The Knicks need a player who can contain No. 1 perimeter scoring options and alleviate pressure from the offensive stars, and the available Sefolosha fits the bill.

Sefolosha is in his 11th NBA season, which is a testament to how valued he is around the NBA. He’s been to the playoffs on seven different occasions, starting 69 games during the postseason and playing in one NBA Finals and three different Conference Finals.

Sefolosha’s defensive proficiency is unquestioned—a strength that was validated by his performances in the playoffs.

For the Knicks, adding Sefolosha to the mix would be a great way to solidify the perimeter with a wing who can play lockdown defense against players at multiple positions. He has the size, length, lateral quickness, and physicality that New York has been lacking.

It may not be easy to trade for Sefolosha, but if Phil Jackson and Mike Budenholzer can come to terms, it would be wise to execute a deal.

Home/Knicks News