The Bench Unit
Immanuel Quickley: Legit minutes as the real 6th man
Everything about how IQ is currently playing screams “threatening sixth man” who may one day become too good to come off the bench. Let’s make him the official sixth man and see how it plays out.
Obi Toppin: More time on the floor!
If you’re wondering what I said last year for Obi, it was also more minutes. He’s currently injured, but once he returns, it’s time to give this man more time on the floor. He plays so well when he gets real minutes. If that’s not going to happen, trade him for his sake.
Evan Fournier: A Trade
Fournier can produce when he’s in the right system … but this isn’t it. Trade him to the Lakers along with Cam Reddish and try to get a first-round pick for taking Pat Beverley and Kendrick Nunn in return for guys who actually deserve rotational minutes.
Cam Reddish: See Above, but also an apology
Cam deserved minutes with the Knicks. Getting him in last year’s trade felt like the Knicks could complete the Duke Big 3 prophecy with a trade for Zion Williamson. Sorry, Cam, you deserved better. But hey, the Lakers want you! You’ll fit next to LeBron too!
Isaiah Hartenstein: Lessons on fundamentals
Towards the end of the loss vs the Raptors, Toronto got three offensive rebounds over Hartenstein who was ball-watching and not boxing out. I won’t get over it.
Jericho Sims: Hartenstein’s minutes
Signing Hartenstein didn’t make sense if you’re not going capitalize on his playmaking, so give Sims Hartenstein’s minutes and trade Hartenstein.
Derrick Rose: Trade to a contender
All of us love Derrick Rose, and watching him not get minutes is painful. Trade the man to a contender and let D-Rose play for a ring!
Deuce McBride: Hustle player of the year award
If you don’t see shades of Marcus Smart in the way Deuce McBride plays basketball, watch closer. Get Deuce the recognition for the hustle he puts in. That man gives everything to secure a win, and Knicks fans are all for it!
Svi Mykhailiuk: Chance for minutes
Svi is an absolute lights-out shooter. I would like to see him get a real chance to crack the rotation so he can unleash his skills.
Ryan Arcidiacono: Teammate of the year award
When a big play happens, look towards the bench. I guarantee you will see that Arcidiacono is the first one up cheering on his teammates.
Tom Thibodeau: An Offensive Coordinator
Same gift as last year! Thibs does not run offensive sets and it’s a problem. There’s too much iso ball and no late-game plays. Get Thibs someone to run the offense and he can do everything else that he wants to.
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Twas the night before Knicksmas and the stars looked like candles, but New York Basketball never stops in a city that’s Randle’s. As we all doze off from eggnog consumption, we go to NBAVote and cast our ballot for Barrett and Brunson. Merry Knicksmas to all (but the Nets) and to all a good night!
How would Knicks fans feel about this 3-team Deandre Ayton trade?
Here's a three-team trade where the New York Knicks would add Phoenix center DeAndre Ayton. What grades would all three teams receive for this deal?