Why the New York Knicks would be MUCH better with a pass-first PG

The New York Knicks have been the surprise of the first half of the 2021 NBA season. The franchise has capitalized on breakout performances by Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett. They currently stand at an even 19-19, 7th in the Eastern Conference, and just half a game out of 4th.

While coach Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks should be applauded for their encouraging play and exceptionally strong defense, New York still has one noticeable need: a pass-first point guard.

The Knicks’ Issues At Point Guard

The Knicks boast several strong wing players. However, they face an unfortunate situation where, several times per game, a cutter like RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, or one of the team’s centers makes a great move to the basket. They have a clear path to the rim. The defender is pinned behind them. It should be an easy two points. But the pass never arrives.

In fact, oftentimes, the cutter is forced to flail his arms in the air to inform the ball handler of their prime positioning. Keep an eye out as you watch the team. It won’t take long for you to notice. And it’s debilitating for the whole offense.

The Knicks’ young athletes have thrived above the rim if the pass is on time. Take this play for example:

Immanuel Quickley hits Obi Toppin with the perfect pass at the perfect time. He clearly has the athleticism to handle the rest.

Or this play where RJ Barrett finds Mitchell Robinson for the slam.

The Knicks’ Current Options

As things currently stand, New York’s leading assist man is Randle with 5.5 per game. The newly acquired Derrick Rose is second with 4.9 with Elfrid Payton chipping in a modest 3.7 dimes per contest.

Randle is a good passer. But he is often most efficient in the half-court. The Rose addition was a step in the right direction. However, his minutes are limited in a 6th man role.

Imagine the impact that a true pass-first point guard could have on the Knicks. Such a player could help with the development of the team’s young core by setting up their cutters with easy baskets.

The Knicks have clearly formed their identity around their defense. Which makes it all the more important that they capitalize on their opportunities for easy points.

The Potential Lineup

It is clear that the Knicks have their sights set on the 2021 NBA postseason. They would not have traded for Rose if they intended to tank. A pass-first point guard would be a massive boost to these aspirations.

Imagine a world where a legitimate PG (for the sake of discussion, let’s say a trade candidate like Ricky Rubio, Lonzo Ball, or Devonte Graham) is the team’s primary ball-handler in a fourth-quarter situation.

Rose could then shift to the shooting guard spot, giving the team another veteran passer and handler. Barrett and Randle would man the two forward spots, which would create a dangerous combo as each player’s three-point numbers continue to climb. This would leave a returning Mitchell Robinson as the center.

This lineup features a fascinating combination of veteran stability, closing talent in Rose and Randle, shooters, cutters, passers, and good defenders. It would give the Knicks a legitimate chance to win any close game they found themselves in.

Knicks: How To Approach The Point Guard Dilemma

New York has a good collection of young talent. However, a roster that consists mostly of combo guards who are known more for their scoring abilities than their facilitating.

A trade for a middle-tier point guard would leave the Knicks well behind Eastern powerhouses like the Nets, 76ers, and Bucks in terms of name recognition and star power. However, it could unlock a new level of team chemistry and offensive potential for an already good New York team.

Leon Rose, Scott Perry, and the rest of the Knicks’ front office would be wise to consider all their options as the March 25th trade deadline approaches. Particularly in the case of the three aforementioned players (Rubio, Ball, Graham), all of whom are willing passers. A player of that skillset could make a world of difference in their 2021 postseason aspirations. And possibly beyond.