New York Knicks: Pros and cons of trading for Eric Gordon

New York Knicks: Eric Gordon cons — Defense

As most players in their early 30s often are, Gordon is a subpar defender. He’s often caught flat-footed on defense, allowing quicker guards to maneuver around him while also struggling to contest shots on a consistent basis. Against the Knicks, he often went entire possessions barely moving on the defensive end.

Last season, Gordon ranked 101st among 116 qualified shooting guards in defensive real plus-minus. His offensive talent is undeniable, but he’ll need to show more effort on defense if he’s going to become an impactful winning player again.

New York Knicks: Eric Gordon Cons — playing time

While this isn’t a downside of Gordon as a player, this is a downside of trading for him. Given Gordon’s age and salary, the Knicks won’t need to give up a premier young player in order to acquire him in a deal.

However, after potentially acquiring him there may be some rotation adjustments in order to give him a carved-out role. This could mean reduced minutes for Immanuel Quickley, not to mention rookies Quentin Grimes and Miles “Deuce” McBride.

It’s especially troubling for the rookies, as they would likely be pushed out of the rotation entirely despite playing terrifically once they were given an extended run. Grimes scored 27 points and hit seven threes in his only start of the season while McBride recorded 15 points, 9 assists, and 4 steals in 36 minutes on Thursday night.

The New York Knicks will likely be making a trade at some point this year, and they could be targeting Gordon as their top mid-season acquisition. If he can continue his hot shooting while providing increased effort on defense, the move would provide immediate results even if the rookies might get less playing time.