Former NBA star Paul Pierce has made a bold prediction, stating that the New York Knicks have the potential to reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2024 playoffs.
During a recent episode of the “KG Certified” podcast, Pierce stated:
“They could be in the Eastern Conference finals. I’m looking at the East. It’s the Celtics and everybody else a couple of tiers below. Even Milwaukee is a tier below the Celtics. If the Knicks could find a way to avoid the Celtics in the second round, they can be in the conference finals.”
Paul Pierce: "[The Knicks] aren't really must watch TV for me."
Kevin Garnett: "They passed [Magic], huh?"
PP: "If the Knicks could find a way to avoid the Celtics in the second round, they could be in the Conference Finals."
(via @allthesmokeprod)pic.twitter.com/QWfCLGYnV2
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 13, 2024
While acknowledging the Boston Celtics as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference with the best record in the NBA, Pierce suggested that the Knicks could secure a spot in the conference finals if they manage to avoid facing the Celtics early in the playoffs.
The Knicks, currently holding the sixth position in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23-16, would need to secure a seeding that allows them to avoid an early matchup with the dominant Celtics. The confidence in the Knicks’ potential success is fueled by their recent acquisition of OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. Paul Pierce expressed his approval of the trade, highlighting Anunoby’s fit as a defender and knockdown shooter in Tom Thibodeau’s system.
The Knicks have demonstrated improved performance since acquiring Anunoby, winning five of their next six games. Anunoby’s contributions, particularly on the defensive end, have added a new dimension to the team. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, former Celtics stars, praised the Knicks’ defensive momentum and the impact of Anunoby in bolstering their roster.
As the Knicks continue to integrate Anunoby into their lineup, the optimism surrounding their playoff prospects grows, with Pierce envisioning a potential deep run if they strategically navigate the playoff matchups.
The Knicks Should Look To Make More Moves
The New York Knicks have experienced a significant improvement in their performance since the acquisition of OG Anunoby, boasting a 6-1 record in their recent games. The team has demonstrated effectiveness on both ends of the floor, with the offense and defense clicking seamlessly.
However, despite their recent success, there’s a growing realization that the current roster may face challenges in surpassing the dominant force of the Boston Celtics, who currently hold the title of the best team in the Eastern Conference and the entire league.
To elevate their chances of making a deep playoff run and potentially challenging the Celtics, the Knicks should consider making additional moves. While the team has shown remarkable improvement, the talent gap between them and the Celtics remains a significant hurdle. With an abundance of draft picks, including up to four first-round picks in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, the Knicks have the assets to explore trade opportunities.
The focus should be on acquiring young and emerging stars who align with the team’s style of play. Players with a strong emphasis on three-and-D skills could complement the Knicks’ current strengths and address potential gaps in talent. These versatile players could contribute both defensively and offensively, providing the Knicks with the depth and skill set needed to compete at the highest level.
By leveraging their draft assets strategically, the Knicks have the opportunity to build a more formidable roster capable of challenging powerhouse teams like the Boston Celtics. Making additional moves to bolster the team’s talent pool could be a crucial step in their pursuit of playoff success and potentially reaching the NBA Finals.
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