While the media focuses on the offense, the New York Knicks have laid the foundation for sustained dominance on the defensive end of the floor.
In recent weeks, a wave of criticism has arrived for the manner in which the New York Knicks are executing on offense. Critics on the local, national, and international fronts have focused on both specific individuals and the team as a whole.
For all of the talk about what the Knicks have been unable to do on offense, however, has come an equal measure of willful ignorance towards what’s brewing on defense.
The two players who have garnered the most criticism in recent weeks are franchise player Kristaps Porzingis and rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina. The two are viewed as the cornerstones of the long-term vision, but that hasn’t saved them from the wrath fo the impatient.
Between Porzingis’ recent shooting woes and Ntilikina’s tendency to settle for jump shots instead of driving the lane, many are questioning if they can anchor the future of Knicks basketball.
It’s certainly fair to be concerned about the fact that Porzingis is shooting below 40 percent since Nov. 13. It’s also within reason to question if Ntilikina can become the penetrating point guard whom many believe he needs to be.
What’s undeniable, however, is that the New York Knicks have created the foundation for sustainably elite execution on the defensive end of the floor.