NY Knicks: 3 reasons why they must pursue Norman Powell

NY Knicks: Norman Powell’s leadership and experience

Finally, the Knicks should sign Norman Powell because of his experience and the leadership he’d be able to provide to the Knicks’ young players.

Powell won the 2019 NBA Championship with the Raptors and while the Knicks have multiple players with playoff experience like Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson, nobody on the Knicks squad has won a championship.

Bringing on a player with that championship experience would be so beneficial for the young core, especially once playoffs come around.

Having someone who has been through the wringer before and knows what it takes to get into the Finals is a huge asset on a young team with very little playoff experience.

Just as importantly Powell can lead by example. When players see a veteran like Powell put in the work on every defensive possession, or do everything he can to pester bigger players on defense, or hit a big-time three it helps fuel them to play to a higher standard as well.

After his move to the Trailblazers his teammate Robert Covington highlighted his leadership to NBC Sports NW saying, “The intensity, the attention to detail, he brings a lot to the table and just that veteran leadership, the presence that he has had significant success, he brings that to us,” before saying, “Since we’ve acquired him it’s taken us to another level.”

While his leadership, defense and shooting prowess are all surefire reasons to sign Powell it might not be that easy.

While the Knicks have more financial flexibility than the Trailblazers he could always opt-in and choose to run it back a second year in Portland.

Even if he opts out the Knicks don’t want to get into a bidding war with the Trailblazers or any other team. Powell’s stock is high so if multiple teams throw contracts at him I think paying north of around $20 million a year wouldn’t be wise.

But at the right price, Norman Powell could be a game-changing addition for the Knicks on both ends of the floor.

His shooting from three would help the Knicks scoring struggles as well open the floor up for other players.

His defense would fit right in along with Barrett, Randle, and Robinson.

Powell would also provide veteran leadership and the championship experience that the Knicks are missing.

Let’s hope we see him putting on the orange and blue next season.