4. Depth In The Interim
New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on February 6, 2018. No one knows exactly when he’ll return from the injury, with believed dates ranging from December to the 2019-20 season.
Regardless of how long Porzingis spends on the sidelines, the Knicks need depth at the 4-spot—and Isaiah Hicks would help provide it.
The Knicks’ current roster features just one true power forward: Porzingis. Kevin Knox has the potential to be a small-ball 4 at the next level, and Lance Thomas has adequately filled in when Porzingis has been absent or on the bench.
If the Knicks are attempting to put size and length on the floor, however, then adding a player like Hicks to the roster would enable them to do so.
Hicks played 94 percent of his NBA minutes at power forward in 2017-18, but could also shift over to the small-ball 5 spot. That versatility could be invaluable with Porzingis out, as it’d give New York the athletic advantage it needs.
If Hicks plays up to his potential, he could even become the long-term backup—or starter—at the 4-spot—either to or alongside Porzingis.