NY Knicks: Midseason Daily Knicks roundtable
Where the NY Knicks can improve the most:
Brad Dressler – The Knicks are currently operating at one of the slowest paces in the NBA and that must change, this isn’t the 90’s. They need to speed things up as well as add a shooter or two into the rotation. They have a defense that can win them a championship today, but their offense must poke its head into the 21st century. They also have three score-first point guards and if they added another playmaking guard (ex. Lonzo Ball), it would help the offense tremendously.
Adam Kester – While some might think it’s long-distance shooting, I actually think it’s more playmaking. The NY Knicks rank in the middle of the pack in 3-point FG%, and really, I think where they can improve is more playmaking from their backcourt. Derrick Rose has certainly helped, but the long stretches of both Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock can lead to prolonged periods of stagnant offense. Does this come in the form of a trade? Victor Oladipo, Evan Fournier could certainly make a difference at a reasonable cost. With that said, this could just be something the team waits to address in the draft next offseason.
Max Hoover – There have been moments or even whole games where the offense is a 4th of July grill. There have been moments or even whole games where the defense is a gator-filled moat. There haven’t been enough games where we saw both of those things for 48 minutes. If the Knicks want to continue to compete at a high level, they must continue to push for complete performances. The Knicks can overcome dead quarters against some competition, but not over seven games and not against more elite competition.
Jeremy Goldstein – Shooting! As the deadline approaches the Knicks need to seek out an elite shooter to help diversify the team’s offense. While the stout defense is what makes the team competitive, the Knicks can’t take that next step unless they add some 3-point shooting. While the Knicks are 12th in the NBA in 3-point shooting, they’re a bottom feeder when it comes to points-per-game. Guys like Randle, Rose, and Barrett need more perimeter shooting to open the lanes for their drives to the hoop.