The New York Knicks have undergone significant changes in their roster, trading away young talents RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Obi Toppin, prompting a team source to assert a cultural shift towards hard-nosed defenders.
A Knicks’ team source says the team finally got rid of the ‘softies’ after trading RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley
"One team source pointed out that in moving out Obi Toppin in the summer, then Barrett and Quickley recently, 'We got rid of the softies.' The Knicks… pic.twitter.com/GQwpbkEiZR
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 14, 2024
According to Steve Popper of Newsday, the source mentioned, “We got rid of the softies,” highlighting a perceived emphasis on gritty defenders in the team’s new composition. Barrett and Quickley were part of a trade with the Toronto Raptors on December 30, acquiring OG Anunoby in return. Toppin was previously traded to the Indiana Pacers during the offseason in exchange for two second-round picks.
Despite the departure of these young players, the Knicks have thrived since the trades, boasting a 6-1 record in the seven games following the transactions. Anunoby has seamlessly integrated into the team’s defensive schemes while providing valuable floor-spacing on the offensive end. The Knicks now hold the number one defensive rating in the league, indicating the effectiveness of their defensive-oriented approach.
Meanwhile, the players traded away have also found success in their new environments. Barrett and Quickley, now with the Raptors, are shooting 50 percent from three and averaging 18.2 and 18.6 points per game, respectively. Quickley has stepped into a playmaking role, averaging a career-high 5.3 assists per game in his seven starts with Toronto. Toppin, with the Indiana Pacers, has found a consistent role, contributing 11.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
The Knicks’ strategic move to acquire seasoned defenders aligns with their commitment to a robust defensive identity. Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle have been leading the team’s charge, supported by the defensive prowess of Anunoby. As the Knicks currently stand in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a 23-16 record, these roster changes indicate a calculated shift toward building a more resilient and defensively sound team for the future.
The Knicks Can Make A Deep Playoff Run
The New York Knicks have showcased a substantial improvement since the acquisition of OG Anunoby, boasting the second-best defensive rating in the league at 107.9 since the trade. Additionally, their overall performance has positioned them with the fourth-best overall rating at 11.9. While their defensive prowess is evident, their offensive capabilities have also contributed to a well-rounded performance.
In the previous season, the Knicks displayed their competitiveness by taking the eventual Eastern Conference champions, the Miami Heat, to a six-game series. Building on this experience and the recent strategic trades, the Knicks are poised for a deep playoff run.
Former NBA star Paul Pierce has expressed confidence in the Knicks’ potential, suggesting that they could reach the conference finals if they manage to avoid facing the formidable Boston Celtics early in the playoffs. This sentiment reflects the belief that the Knicks have the capability to compete at a high level and make a significant postseason impact.
To further bolster their chances, the Knicks possess a treasure trove of draft picks that could be utilized to make strategic moves and acquire additional stars who complement their playing style. This flexibility allows them to explore various options in the trade market and potentially strengthen their roster for a more formidable playoff campaign.
With a balanced team featuring defensive stalwarts like Anunoby, offensive contributors like Jalen Brunson, and seasoned veterans like Julius Randle, the Knicks have the ingredients for a successful playoff run. As they continue to fine-tune their chemistry and adapt to the evolving landscape of the NBA, the Knicks are well-positioned to be a force to be reckoned with in the postseason.
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