New York Knicks: Patrick Beverley and Tom Thibodeau are a perfect Match

The New York Knicks reportedly plan to remain active as the March 25th trade deadline approaches. While there is growing evidence that the franchise may pivot away from trading for an All-Star caliber player, it appears as though New York will look to add more firepower for a postseason run.

The Knicks already made a universally praised trade for veteran Derrick Rose earlier in the offseason. I recently wrote an article detailing several pass-first point guards that provide a boost for the offense. However, there is one other veteran point guard that would fit tremendously with head coach Tom Thibodeau and the defensive-minded Knicks: Patrick Beverley.

The eight-year pro’s presence on the trade block has not been widely publicized. However, there have been clues, including one published article by Sports Illustrated, that have reported his availability.

Here’s how the scrappy veteran could give a boost to New York.

Knicks: Patrick Beverley’s Defense

Beverley’s calling card is obvious. Despite low statistical averages (8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game for his career), the 2009 second-round draft pick has been a starter in 379 of his 460 career games.

What Beverley may lack in offensive flair, he more than makes up for in defensive ability. He was an NBA All-Defensive First Team selectee in 2017 and an All-Defensive Second Team choice in 2014 and 2020.

His defensive intensity and tenaciousness have allowed him to carve out a long a fruitful professional career. Take this example of Beverley locking up one of the best scorers in NBA history.

Beverley refuses to concede an inch of space as he gives maximum effort against James Harden. His motor is running at 100% despite the game coming in a meaningless pre-season game.

Thibodeau is famous for his tough defensive scheme. Is there a single player that meshes better with his system than a player like Beverley? He would be an amazing fit!

Knicks: Patrick Beverley’s effect on Ntilikina

The Knicks hoped they found their point guard of the future when they selected French star Frank Ntilikina with the eighth pick in the 2017 Draft. Fast forward three short seasons later, and Ntilikina is widely considered to be a bust.

The international darling has posted disappointing career averages of 5.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. While there were always questions about his ability to evolve as an offensive threat, he was considered to be a sure-fire defensive difference-maker.

6’4” frame and incredible 7’1” wingspan seemed to give him the perfect measurements to bother opposing perimeter players.

However, over 11 games played during the 2020-2021 season, the former lottery pick has a 108.8 defensive rating. Shockingly, this is worse than Hornets’ guard Terry Rozier (113.4), Warriors’ superstar Stephen Curry (110.5), and fellow Knick Derrick Rose (111.2). This is hardly encouraging.

Perhaps adding a career defensive specialist like Beverley could have a major impact on Ntilikina. The veteran would be an excellent on-court role as the former lottery pick attempts to get his career back on the right track. At just 22 years old, Ntilikina could still develop into the stopper New York dreamed he would become.

Beverley has long had the ability to play great defense while annoying opposing players into committing bad plays. Take this play against Russell Westbrook for example.

Not only does the vet force a turnover. His history and intensity immediately force Westbrook into committing a bad foul. A double technical also ensues.

If any of Beverley’s trademark intensity and scrappiness were combined with Ntilikina’s length and athleticism, the result could be a terrifying combination for opposing guards.

Knicks: The Verdict on Patrick Beverley

It is fair to question whether Beverley’s unique brand of intensity would have negative effects on a young roster. It is also fair to speculate about whether the Clippers are shopping their starting PG.

Regardless of the obstacles, the Knicks should seriously consider targeting the former Arkansas star. His defense and potential mentorship could pay major dividends for New York in 2021 and into the future.

What do you think about Patrick Beverley in a Knicks jersey?