Reacting to ESPN’s 3 top needs for the Knicks in 2022-23
One of the many joys of being a New York Knicks fan is the anticipation that comes with every single offseason. But of course, that anticipation is because the Knicks failed to make the playoffs.
That same story rings true even after New York’s playoff berth in 2021. This summer, Knicks fans have excited themselves over the prospect of landing either Jalen Brunson or Donovan Mitchell. Not to mention, New York holds the 11th-best lottery odds.
The summer of 2022 feels different. A lot of the hope stems from what’s to come with RJ Barrett as the face of the franchise, as well as the dominance of Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley to close out 2021-22.
As usual, the Knicks are in search of a true starting point guard. That tale’s been the same for 20 years now but the narrative could change this summer. ESPN’s Bobby Marks realizes that too.
Marks wrote a piece titled ‘How the New York Knicks should approach the offseason’ and in it, he listed New York’s three biggest needs:
"Starting point guardA healthy Derrick Rose and Nerlens NoelCam Reddish to develop into a rotation player"
He hit the nail on the head with the first and third points, and while the second point would be valuable, it isn’t something that the Knicks should spend too much time focusing on.
The New York Knicks should be open to trading Derrick Rose and Nerlens Noel
If Derrick Rose and Nerlens Noel are on the roster in 2022-23, their health should be a priority. However, there isn’t a guarantee that either one will (or should) make it that far.
Both of their seasons were cut short due to injuries, with Rose playing in 26 games and Noel playing in 25. Rose being out hurt the team worse, especially since Tom Thibodeau continued to opt for Alec Burks as the starting point guard.
Rose is owed $14.5 million for 2022-23 and Noel is owed $9.2 million. Both players have a club option for the 2023-24 season.
Depending on what the Knicks do in terms of Marks’ first need, which is to get a starting point guard, Rose could continue to be New York’s backup point guard option. But there’s also Quickley and Deuce McBride, two young players who could lead the second unit.
In fact, Quickley has the capability to be the starting point guard and many fans believe that the Knicks shouldn’t pursue a point guard this summer.
So while we know that Rose is one of Thibodeau’s favorite veterans, finding a trade partner for him this summer wouldn’t be a bad idea, even with Kemba Walker’s looming possible departure.
On the other hand, Noel being traded this summer feels like it should be a given. If Mitchell Robinson leaves in free agency, the Knicks could sign another center to take over the starting spot. And who knows, maybe Jericho Sims’ development this summer will propel him into the starting center conversation.
Keeping hold of Noel, who even when healthy doesn’t provide a ton of value, isn’t worth it, especially when he could be thrown into a trade for a player who better suits New York.
While it would’ve been nice to have both veterans healthy in 2021-22, it isn’t something that’ll make or break the 2022-23 season. On the other hand, having a healthy Cam Reddish will be of the utmost importance. He didn’t get a chance to prove himself this past year and could end up being a key piece of next season.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Knicks do over the next few months, but as Barrett said a couple of weeks ago, one of his goals is to lead New York back to the playoffs. In Barrett we trust.
