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New York Knicks: D’Angelo Russell trade could cure point guard issue

By Anirudh Subramanian

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 18: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during a pre-season game on October 18, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 18: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during a pre-season game on October 18, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Trading for the Golden State Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell can finally solve the New York Knicks’ point guard woes.

The New York Knicks’ season has started shakily with a 1-7 record. It has only been eight games but the roster’s biggest weakness has been on display: point guard.

The Knicks have used five different players to try solving this issue, and none have shown signs they can handle the position so far. With the Golden State Warriors’ injuries and early struggles, would they move D’Angelo Russell, and should the Knicks pounce at a chance to acquire him?

The Knicks offense has been lacking to start the year. Entering Wednesday’s game against the Pistons, they ranked 29th in points, at 99.6, and 28th in assists per game, with 19.1. It is not like they lack scorers; the problem has been with a natural playmaker.

Players like Marcus Morris, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle and Bobby Portis have been forced to do some of that lifting, and it has created a team that runs too much iso. This has led to the Knicks averaging 16.7 turnovers a game. This also has hurt them in fourth quarters, which they have led in five of eight games, the offense has gotten stagnant, and teams have come back and beaten them.

Russell would solve the weakest position and he fits with the Knicks timeline. He would also help take pressure off Barrett to be the focal point of the offense and provide Randle a natural player to play with in the pick and roll.

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The former Brooklyn Net has started well, averaging 19 points and 6.4 assists, both of which are huge potential boosts for the Knicks and also lead the team in those categories. He also can boost the worst free-throw shooting team in the NBA at 67 percent.

The biggest issue with acquiring Russell is the Warriors’ patience to trade him and the cost. I could see a package around Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox, plus salaries to make the trade work. Knox is talented, but the Knicks can afford to trade him, with the abundance of wings already roster. Ntilikina has just not worked out. Maybe a change of scenery could provide the boost to take his game to the next level.

Point guard is a glaring need, and Russell could be the answer. He fits the Knicks timeline while averaging over six assists per game, giving them a dynamic player to run the offense. The defense may lack but there will be more time to shape the roster as the team improves.

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Price is the only factor the Knicks should consider if the Warriors make Russell available, and players like Robinson and Barrett are inevitably off-limits, but everyone else should be available. The Knicks cannot have another 17-win season, and they need to show signs of improvement to show future free agents that New York is a destination again.

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