NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Despite the struggles of the New York Knicks this season, they did right by standing pat during the trade deadline. Why mess with something that has the potential to be a top team in the Eastern Conference?
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Sitting around the .500 mark, there should be some changes. I’m here to say, “hell no”.
At point guard, the Knicks gave a solid rotation with Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose when he comes back from his injury. The SG position is solid with Evan Fournier and Alec Burks. The small forward position is loaded with RJ Barrett and the newly acquired Cam Reddish.
At Power Forward, the Knicks have their All-Star and franchise player in Julius Randle and back up Obi Toppin. At Center, the Knicks have received solid contributions from Mitchell Robinson and Taj Gibson. So at what position are they really lacking?
What’s been hurting the Knicks this season has been inconsistency, chemistry, and health. But a glance over the entire league and what team has not dealt with this?
The Knicks must indeed improve their scoring but that will happen with the return of Rose and a more focused Fournier.
Fans have been hard on the team since their surprise run to the playoffs last season. If we’re being truthful, they peaked ahead of schedule. Now, the lights are shining bright on them and by most accounts, they’ve stumbled. Yes, they have lost games they should have won just by showing up. In large part. The issue has been how teams have game-planned against Randle. With Randle being doubled, it’s up to the perimeter players like Barrett and Fournier to hit their shots.
There were big names available during the trade deadline such as Ben Simmons, Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert, James Harden, Kristaps Porzingis, and possibly Bradley Beal. However, which of those players would have put the Knicks over the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, or the Miami Heat?
In order to grab one of these players, the Knicks must give up talent. Simmons will not improve the Knicks. Sabonis will be a great addition and so will Beal but at what price? And the truth is, neither of those players were leading their respective teams to the top of the standings either.
There is still plenty of season left and enough time for the Knicks roster to gel and become what many believe they could be. The talent is there, it’s just up to them to believe they can put last season’s failures and the struggles of this season behind them.
So, the trade deadline is gone and the Knicks didn’t make a single move. Fans are pissed but must remain patient. the east is still wide open despite moves by other teams. Remember, who saw the Atlanta Hawks catching fire when they did during their deep playoff run last season? The New York Knicks should turn the other way, hit the gym, and get their team on the same page. No moves were needed.
