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NY Knicks: 3 reasons why they must pursue Norman Powell

By Harrison Campbell

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the second half against the New York Knicks at Amalie Arena on December 31, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. 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. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket during the second half against the New York Knicks at Amalie Arena on December 31, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. 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. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Norman Powell, NY Knicks. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

NY Knicks: Norman Powell’s defense

The first reason Norman Powell is a perfect signing for the Knicks is his potent defense, which is a key for any player joining a Tom Thibodeau squad.

Since joining the Trailblazers Powell has been a defensive catalyst for them, leading by example and often taking on the toughest defensive matchups.

Talking about Powell’s defensive ability former Trailblazers head coach Terry Stotts told The Oregonian, “I think everyone respects what they did in Toronto, particularly at the defensive end. I think everybody respects what he does on the court defensively. How he takes defense seriously…” before continuing to say, “He’s able to guard a variety of different players.”

That is something Powell was often called upon to do despite only measuring in at 6-feet 3-inches tall.

In their playoff series this season against the Nuggets, the Trailblazers often put Powell on Michael Porter Jr. who is a whole seven inches taller than him.

Yet still, Powell managed to frustrate Porter Jr. who struggled with his shooting the first few games against the Trailblazers.

Nuggets head coach Mike Malone gave Powell credit in the media for his defense on Porter Jr. in the series.

Not only that, MPJ himself gave Powell credit in an interview with NBC Sports NW saying, “He’s doing a good job…Lower center of mass. He’s not worried about anything else besides sticking close to me and not letting me get shots up. The shots I’m normally getting are not there.”

It is obvious Powell cares about playing hard on both sides of the floor and takes pride in playing good defense.

A defensive tandem of Powell and R.J. Barrett guarding the opposition’s two best wings next season sounds pretty lucrative to me.

Bringing in a defensive threat like Powell will only make the league’s best defense even better next season and it’s one big reason the Knicks should be looking to sign Powell.