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1. The Knicks have struggled recently, especially with Carmelo Anthony battling through an injury, going 1-6 in there last seven games. With many of those losses being to powerhouse teams (Warriors, Raptors, Thunder, Clippers) though, how are Knicks fans viewing the recent slide? Do you feel as if the team at full strength is a safe bet for a playoff spot?
This fanbase is always ready to throw up their hands and demand trades and firings. So the past several games have been hard on the nudniks amongst us. I say let 'em suffer. The Knicks have exceeded expectations and thats why we can talk about them making the playoffs to begin with. So despite the latest skid, there have been some fantastic spurts to sort of counteract it.
They still need to get better, of course, and health is a huge factor for any team with their eyes on the post season. They are not a safe bet for the playoffs but they should be able to keep their name in the conversation if they keep everyone healthy. No small feat.
2. Since the last time the Pistons and Knicks met, the Knicks defensive rating has tumbled slightly from 15th in the league down to 20th. Have there been any specific issues that help explain the change?
Other than basic fatigue and some injuries hanging around. There isn't too much to point to. Jose Calderon and Arron Afflalo being your starting backcourt probably doesn't help- but it probably hasn't really helped all year.
3. The Knicks have a remarkably balanced roster, going by advanced metrics they've been getting solid production out of virtually every player in the rotation (depending on your stat of choice, Arron Afflalo and Jerian Grant look to be the only two players who are solidly below league average). Carmelo doesn't look to be going anywhere, but the roster seems well positioned to provide ample support to another superstar. If the Knicks were to add a big ticket player at any position, what area do you feel needs an upgrade the most? And this is definitely looking toward the future, but imagining a contending team built around Porzingis, what player/s (or type/s of player/s) would be the best fit alongside him to create a championship caliber combination?
Gabe, baby. My goodness. This backcourt needs an extensive renovation.
Calderon and Afflalo are great vets that bring basic adequacy to any lineup they're in. That isn't good enough. They are no longer capable of pushing a team to reach it's full potential. Grant will be a fine pro if he continues to develop. Langston Galloway is the only one that doesn't constantly worry me but his role is pretty clear, it's basically established and it's as a two-way cannonballing reserve. He lacks the creativity off the bounce or the vision and precision to poke enough holes in the defense's fucking wall (shout out to Stan Van).
If somehow a top shelf point guard manifested in New York, the Knicks would fast track a lot of their potential. The team and the scheme (both on offense and defense) basically works. You can surround Porzingis with practically anyone. He's that dynamic. The Knicks are just in a weird spot where some of the fruit isn't quite ripe and some of it is starting to turn. I'd advise caution before raiding the fridge.
A huge thank you again to Jonathan! And remember to check out all the great work at Posting and Toasting!