The NBA has not even crowned a 2023 champion yet, and many New York Knicks fans are already pining for the splash move that will elevate Manhattan’s team to contender status. Knicks Twitter has trade machine screenshots featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, and even LeBron James.
It is fair for Knicks fans to dream big after advancing to the second round of the playoffs in an Eastern Conference that feels wide open. Building the right superstar package could push the Knicks into the next tier of NBA squads.
No matter what anyone may argue, there is nothing irrational about Leon Rose and his cadre of confidants assessing the roster and deciding they are ready to make an all-in move.
However, there are also moves to be made to upgrade the roster on the fringe. Moves that would support this year’s core with role players who would better fit next to the likes of RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle.
The New York Knicks can improve in 2023-24 with fringe moves
Some might read this and ask, “Isn’t that what they did after the last playoff berth? How did that work out?” Without context, the answer is “Not well,” but context is necessary here. Adding Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier were offseason misses because they sacrificed on the defensive end.
What crystalized in the Miami series is that the Knicks, who were dead last in three-point shooting among all playoff teams, need to add floor spacing that won’t sacrifice what they are trying to do on the defensive end.
Playoff game planning for Barrett, Brunson, and Randle changes dramatically if opposing coaches have to respect shooters.
How can the Knicks increase space for their offensive engines while maintaining defensive integrity? Let’s dive in!