The New York Knicks have been no stranger to making deals prior to the NBA trade deadline under the guidance of Leon Rose. Each season, Rose has sought to make strategic moves to strengthen the team and ignite a spark. From acquiring Derrick Rose in 2021 to bringing in Cam Reddish in 2022, the Knicks have been proactive in improving their roster.
Last season, the Knicks made a significant trade for Josh Hart, and the team experienced a remarkable turnaround. They racked up 17 wins in the final two months of the season, securing home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Building upon this success, the Knicks made their biggest trade in recent history by acquiring OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors this season, setting high expectations for their performance.
The impact of this trade has been evident. The Knicks currently boast an impressive record of 9-2 in their past 11 games. With a formidable starting lineup and a stifling defense, this team is on fire. The optimism among fans has grown, and thoughts of achieving higher goals, such as clinching the third seed or advancing to the conference semifinals, have started to emerge.
Some have even dared to dream of a potential trip to the NBA Conference Finals or a captivating matchup against the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals, as suggested by basketball analyst Zach Lowe and former NBA executive Bobby Marks, respectively. The excitement surrounding the Knicks is palpable. However, the path to reaching these lofty aspirations remains challenging.
The Knicks face formidable competition in the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks, who are widely regarded as two of the strongest teams in the NBA. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat, who defeated the Knicks in the playoffs last year, present significant hurdles to overcome.
One area of concern for the Knicks lies in their second unit offense. While the team relies heavily on transition buckets, it lacks a true playmaker. Miles 'Deuce' McBride has admirably filled in, but his strengths lie in catch-and-shoot situations rather than being a primary offensive initiator. This weakness could potentially be addressed through a trade, but recent performances indicate that standing pat at the NBA trade deadline might be the most prudent course of action.
The Knicks' starting lineup, featuring Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Isiah Hartenstein, has proved to be enormously effective. Their combined playing time of 169 minutes this season has resulted in an impressive 19.3 net rating, ranking them fourth among lineups that have played over 100 minutes together. This lineup has the potential to dominate opponents with their three-point shooting, suffocating defense, and developing chemistry.
Furthermore, the acquisition of Anunoby has addressed the Knicks' need for size, particularly on the defensive end. Prior to his arrival, the team was giving up 115.5 points per 100 possessions, placing them 20th in the NBA. However, since joining the Knicks on January 1, they now hold the top position with a defensive rating of 103.3. Although the sustainability of this defensive prowess is not guaranteed, the Knicks have showcased impressive rebounding skills and the ability to limit opponents' shooting efficiency.
Speculation has surrounded Quentin Grimes, with rumors suggesting the Knicks are open to trade offers for the 23-year-old guard. However, Grimes possesses valuable playmaking abilities, as evidenced in his performances last season. Providing him with opportunities to organize the second unit and showcase his offensive versatility could significantly bolster the team's overall performance. Additionally, Anunoby's ability to shoulder some offensive responsibility when Brunson is off the floor adds another dimension to the team's offense, particularly in crucial moments.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Knicks find themselves in a unique position. While there may be room for improvement, the current roster, especially the formidable starting lineup, has shown immense potential. The decision to stand pat and trust in the chemistry and skillset of the team may be the wisest course of action. The addition of Anunoby has already brought about positive results, and the Knicks have the opportunity to maximize the strengths that have propelled them to their recent success.
While dreams of a deep playoff run and a shot at the NBA Finals dance in the minds of Knicks fans, challenges lie ahead. However, the combination of a dominant starting lineup, defensive prowess, and potential internal growth within the team gives the Knicks reason to believe that they have what it takes to make a serious impact in the playoffs. The answer to their success may very well lie within their current roster.
