4 Defensive specialists the Knicks should consider signing in free agency

3. SF Dillon Brooks

Yes, Dillon Brooks isn’t the most ideal player on the offensive side of the ball and has a problem with running his mouth. However, in a Tom Thibodeau-coached system that limits his shot attempts and maybe even his lips, Brooks could very well find some new footing in the league. His abilities as a defender, while overrated, are still very useful.

The problem with Brooks isn’t even really that he’s a negative offensive player. Many defense-first guys make it in the league while being poor on offense. Brooks’ problem is that he doesn’t know when to stop shooting the ball and is often a detriment to his team because of this. For example, there is not a single reason for Brooks to have averaged 6.0 three-point attempts per game last season considering he hit just 32.6% of them.

However, with a coach like Thibs, these problems could be limited. We’ve seen the way he cuts players out of the offense when they aren’t playing well or make bad decisions. It may not be the path Brooks wants but if he wishes to have a long career then it’s in his best interest to stop making so many stupid decisions.

If these problems can be minimized, then Brooks would fit well with the Knicks defensively. His offense would likely still be a problem. However, the value he brings on defense is still important. Should he have made an All-Defensive team? No. Despite this, he’s still a great point-of-attack defender who can make opponents’ lives hell at times.

The Knicks could likely bring Brooks in with their MLE. It’s doubtful that teams will look to offer him much more than that, so again, it may be in Brooks’ best interest to join a team that will help increase his career length.