CP The Fanchise’s Sports Business Class was in session at Las Vegas Summer League. Learn more about the ins and outs of sports media from special KFTV guests.
The sports media world continues to evolve every day with the rise of technology, the emergence of new personalities and voices, and increased access to niche communities online. Knicks Fan TV itself was born from the influence of sports radio and passionate football (soccer) channels.
But make no mistake: the industry is competitive, and finding sustained success in authentic work takes commitment and consistency. Whether you want to start a podcast or beat report for your favorite team, there are no steps to skip in building something that lasts.
CP The Fanchise joined ESPN’s Bobby Marks, The Ringer’s Howard Beck, The Dunker Spot’s Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr., and other seasoned veterans at Las Vegas Summer League to speak with students about the ins and outs of working in sports, important skills for the industry, networking, and keys to maximizing opportunity.
If you’re interested in joining the industry or climbing the ladder in sports media, check out these past interviews with CP The Fanchise and other esteemed guests on KFTV, and listen to their stories of how they reached new milestones in their professions.
Independent Content Creation and Building a Brand
Hear from CP The Fanchise himself about how KFTV started and grew over time.
“Consistency is the thing that I always heard with some of the great performers or the greats in anything that they’re doing. Whether you’re reading the books or you’re listening to them on podcasts, they always talk about keeping it consistent. I said I’m gonna give my all to this thing and just see where it goes, and I’m not gonna stop.”
Businessman, author, and YouTuber Gary Vaynerchuk (aka Gary Vee) joined KFTV to talk about content creation and share tips for building an audience online.
“If I’m on LinkedIn and I see something titled ‘Deuce McBride’s Secret to Closing Out on Threes,’ I’m going to watch it because I’m a human being. Or if I see ‘How I Built This Knicks Podcast; Six Steps That Will Get You Growth on Podcasts,’ obviously if I’m on LinkedIn, I’m going to be interested. If you create compelling and relevant content, you’ll stand out and attract attention.”
MMA journalist and die-hard Knicks fan Ariel Helwani recently joined CP The Fanchise to assess the Knicks’ offseason. He also dropped some gems about building a recognizable brand and personality in sports.
“You kind of look around at what everyone else is doing and take a little inspiration from here and there, but you have to be unique. You have to take that inspiration and make it your own. A lot of people get caught up in copying what’s been done before, but the real magic happens when you blend your own ideas with what you’ve learned from others.”
For the authors and classic pen-to-pad writers out there, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Herring has made a few appearances on Knicks Fan TV to talk about ’90s Knicks basketball, as he covers in-depth in his book, “Blood in the Garden.” He spoke about the tedious process of research and writing such rich stories about a beloved era in New York sports.
“Writing this book was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. There were moments of intense focus and others where I felt completely stuck. But the journey has been incredibly rewarding. I found that taking breaks and coming back with a fresh perspective often helped me overcome writer’s block. It’s incredible how a change in scenery or a little time away from the manuscript can spark new ideas and solutions.”
Sports Broadcasting
As the voice of the Knicks and NBA, Mike Breen has been an example of consistently excellent storytelling his entire career. Here, he spoke about his journey to professional commentating, his inspirations, and his process.
“This is what I try and do every broadcast: I want the viewer to feel that I’m prepared, that I know what I’m talking about, I know the teams, I know the players. I want the viewer also to feel like I’m really into it, like, ‘Wow, this guy really loves what he’s doing, and he knows what he’s doing.’ That’s always been important to me. Preparation is the key to everything, and it helps you feel more confident and allows you to react better to the unexpected moments during a game.”
Gus Johnson‘s iconic calls make every moment feel larger. As a play-by-play announcer, his unique approach to basketball and football games has captivated generations of sports fans. On KFTV, he reflected on what has allowed him to stay true to himself in the booth.
“Once you learn the template, you have to create a template for yourself. Once I created the template, I could plug myself into different situations, and then once I became comfortable with the fundamentals, I could adapt and perform well in various scenarios. This approach helped me stay true to my style and maintain consistency regardless of the sport or the level of the game I was calling.”
Sports Commentary
Before ESPN’s Monica McNutt was schooling Stephen A. Smith on First Take, she was already one of Knicks fans’ most reliable sources of sports commentary, not to mention her work in women’s basketball analysis. Her mindset and poise have carried her to one milestone after another as a woman in sports television and radio. She spoke with CP about the motivations behind her achievements.
“I think I’m going after what feels impactful for me as opposed to goals on the list. We’re in a time now where if you have the tools and the wherewithal to do so in this climate, you can kind of chart your own path. I can’t call what the next five years will look like, but I am open and there are a lot of different hats that I enjoy in this space and I’m thankful for that.”
Another MSG Network favorite, Alan Hahn joined Knicks Fan TV to preview the 2023-24 season, a KFTV tradition. He also reflected on his media journey and the roadblocks he had to overcome to develop his skills and gain confidence.
“Listen to yourself. A lot of people, and I was like this too, say ‘I don’t like the sound of my own voice.’ I cringe when I hear myself when they run commercials I do. There’s probably a lot of people right now going, ‘Yeah, I cringe when I hear myself.’ But that’s what you have to do. You have to listen to yourself, and it’s all about reps. It is 10,000 hours, man. The more you do it, the smoother you get.”
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. Subscribe to the newsletter for KFTV content and events, shop discounts, and more at bit.ly/kftvmail. And in case you missed it, check out CP The Fanchise’s interview with longtime Knicks trainer Mike Saunders.
The New York Knicks drafted four new rookies this summer. Did they find some more diamonds in the rough? Here are our grades for every pick.
The New York Knicks selected four prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft who will be able to contribute to a team with a “Win Now” mentality. With the Knicks making a huge splash trade to acquire former Villanova star Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, they needed players who could contribute relatively quickly. Let’s take a look at the 2024 Knicks draft class!
A true surprise pick for the Knicks as they took another French player in the 1st round. Pacome, who I had 42nd on my big board, was not a player I had on the radar for New York, but I understood the upside pick. He’s a big kid at 6’8″ with a 7ft plus wingspan who has some shooting potential and plays hard, which fits the “Thibs guy” mold. It’s been rumored this selection could be a Draft & Stash pick, although Pacome has iterated that he will be coming to the NBA this year, so we shall see. With all the wings we have on the roster and no need for him to contribute right away, I understand why they took a shot on Pacome. He has some work to do on defense and simply didn’t play a lot, but he showed improvement as the season winded down as a scorer.
Draft Grade: C+
I like Pacome Dadiet! Would be a great pick at 41!
Still gonna be 18 years-old on draft night, shot nearly 37% from 3 on 134 attempts and held up on defense in a solid pro league. Also a fantastic off-ball cutter. Has potential to be an elite play finisher at the NBA level. https://t.co/aYD5KEPJtIpic.twitter.com/e9INrrPkdC
Tyler Kolek — 6’1″ — Point Guard — 23 yrs Old — Marquette
If you had flipped the Pacome Dadiet pick with the pick of Tyler Kolek, I would’ve been ecstatic. Regardless, we got the #1 target I had for New York! The nation’s leading assist man at 7.7 was shockingly still on the board and New York moved up four spots to take the Marquette guard. The ultimate “Thibs guy,” the Knicks needed a playmaker badly as they were second to last in assists per game at 24.4. Tyler will greatly improve New York’s second unit and work well with Deuce as a pesty guard combo. One of the better value selections of the draft.
Draft Grade: A
Tyler Kolek Thread
Kolek is a PG whose best trait is his passing, particularly out of the PnR. He's really good at passing his bigs open and leading them into open space, as he does here. He's constantly looking to set teammates up pic.twitter.com/39oJBsmauh
Kevin McCullar Jr. — 6’5″ Wing — 23 Yrs Old — Kansas
The Knicks once again grabbed another tremendous value pick in McCullar at #56. I had a 1st round grade on McCullar and did expect him to fall some because of injuries, but not into the late 2nd round. You know the Spiderman meme when they point at each other? Yeah, well that’s going to be McCullar when he sees Josh Hart because he’s a carbon copy of him. He’s a Swiss Army Knife who can do a bit of everything and will put in the work. He improved as a shooter during his senior year (34%) but still needs to work on the shot. His defense is tremendous as he’s a former Big-12 all-league defender. This was another homerun pick in the second round for New York.
Draft Grade: B+
Here’s a rather relevant sequence for Knicks fans:
– Kolek post-up – Kolek gets compared to Jalen Brunson – Kevin McCullar Jr. wrecks the next Marquette possession, including switching onto Kolek, while being called one of the best defenders in the country. pic.twitter.com/9SPLoIGFS2
Ariel Hukporti — 6’11” — Center — 22 Yrs Old — Melbourne United (NBL)
The Knicks have some uncertainty with the backup big spot with either Mitch or Hartenstein probably not being here next season, so New York needed to add some depth with Sims also in the fold. Ariel is a big man who is as solid as they come. He’s going to be relentless on the boards and be a great rim-running big. You won’t get much offense from Ariel, but he is a solid finisher around the rim and a major lob threat. He was 60th on my board, so I love the value they got with the last pick in the draft.
Draft Grade: B
The 58th pick of the NBA Draft is Ariel Hukporti, who will be a teammate of Pacome Dadiet in New York. A strong big man that finishes plays and goes after rebounds. Interesting tools as a defender pic.twitter.com/6xuyOYYJg1
— Eurohoops Scouting (@EHoopsScouting) June 28, 2024
Overall, the New York Knicks were able to take an upside pick while also selecting some guys who can fill out the bench and contribute to a team with title aspirations. The picks have the DNA of what Coach Thibs has established since he’s been the head coach, and I have a hunch that Knicks Nation will fall in love with this crop of draft picks, especially Tyler Kolek! The future of the New York Knickerbockers continues to get brighter! GO NEW YORK GO NEW YORK GO!!!!!!!!
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. Subscribe to the newsletter for KFTV content and events, shop discounts, and more at bit.ly/kftvmail. And in case you missed it, check out CP The Fanchise’s live reaction to the Knicks losing Isaiah Hartenstein!
The NBA offseason received its biggest jolt of the summer so far when the Knicks swung for the fences, trading for Brooklyn Nets wing Mikal Bridges. He now joins forces with his fellow Villanova alumni to dethrone the Boston Celtics as the top team in the Eastern Conference.
It took a solid three-and-a-half hours for me to catch my breath and calm down after reading the Tuesday night Woj bomb. Leon Rose pulled the trigger on a trade sending Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick, an unprotected first-round pick swap, and a second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges. Final details regarding the deal are still fluid, as the trade cannot be officially finalized until the first week of July.
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in principle on a trade to send F Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/TEGsIpoa3b
The initial reactions from fans and analysts included excitement, but also pure shock at the amount of draft capital the Knicks forked over for Bridges. Going forward, the Knicks will not have any first round picks in 2027, 2029, or 2031. And outside of their war chest taking a big hit, salary concerns remain regarding how the Knicks will be able to re-sign unrestricted free-agent Isaiah Hartenstein, who is expected to receive competitive offers this summer. That being said, after re-signing OG Anunoby, the Knicks now have two of the best wing defenders and two-way players in the NBA. The orange and blue will be a defensive matchup nightmare for the foreseeable future, and their lineups will boast a ton of flexibility and versatility.
With a deal this size, there are multiple factors that contribute to its success or failure. Let’s look at the pros and cons of the NBA’s first blockbuster trade from this summer.
Pros:
As previously mentioned, the Knicks now have two of the best “three and D” players in the NBA in Anunoby and Bridges to roam the perimeter. You could make a strong argument that Anunoby was the Knicks’ most impactful player not named Jalen Brunson on the roster last season. The Knicks rarely lost with him on the court, and his absence was always felt, particularly against the Indiana Pacers, where the Knicks failed to contain Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and Myles Turner in their seven-game second-round series loss. Bridges comes to the squad as a top-10 ranked wing in defensive field goal percentage (per NBA) for players that played at least 70 games. He will be able to shoulder the shared responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s best player.
Going back to OG, the former Toronto Raptor played in 50 games or less in three of the last four seasons. The addition of Bridges, who has never missed a game in his NBA career, helps to add depth and hopefully limit the amount Tom Thibodeau and needs to rely on Anunoby. Furthermore, Bridges has shot 36 percent or better from the three-point line over the last five seasons. He also ranked fourth in the NBA for three-point percentage on catch-and-shoot threes last season, and the Pacers series showed us how a deadly a team can be when it has four-to-five players on the floor who can shoot efficiently from deep. Of course, the Knicks were depleted with injuries, but adding Bridges to the Knicks starting lineup, and sprinkling him in with the second unit, will make the orange and blue extremely difficult to guard.
In his pursuit of Bridges, Leon Rose bucked a league-wide trend that saw other front offices repeatedly obsess and chase after “star” talent. Now, on the surface, this is not a bad thing. Talent wins in the NBA, but it is usually prioritized over chemistry and basketball fit to the point where big names and egos go together like cheap IKEA furniture, as opposed to a well-constructed Tetris board. The Knicks opted for the latter. Not only have the Knicks benefitted from their current collection of Villanova alumni, but their newest addition, Bridges, has already played in both a “star” role in Brooklyn and as a strong complimentary piece in Phoenix.
The six-year veteran can create his own shot, score from the mid-range, catch-and-shoot off his teammates drives, and will undoubtedly fit seamlessly into the Knicks offensive system. This version of the Knicks has the potential to look like the 2003-2004 Detroit Pistons as opposed to the Big Three Miami Heat.
Cons:
The Knicks gave up a ton of draft picks to land Bridges. There’s no way around that – even the most staunch Knicks supporter would have to acknowledge that five first-round picks (and a pick swap) for Bridges was a substantial overpay. For context, in 2023, the Phoenix Suns traded four first-round picks and a pick swap to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant. Similarly, in 2022, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded a comparable draft capital package and players to the Utah Jazz for Rudy Gobert.
However, despite the mass exodus of draft picks, the Knicks did a shrewd job of acquiring draft capital prior to this trade. The orange and blue still have first round picks in 2025 (including two protected first-round picks from the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons), 2026, 2028, and 2030.
I also think it’s reasonable to be a little frustrated with the process leading up to this deal, and the fact that the Knicks’ “all-in” move settled on Bridges, who despite making an All-Defensive first-team back in 2020-2021, has never been named an All-Star or received All-NBA honors. Leon Rose was extremely patient in building this team. Players like Devin Booker, Joel Embiid, and Karl Anthony-Towns had been rumored as targets for if and when the Knicks made their move for a bonafide “star.” Even though I like the Bridges trade and would rather the Knicks continue to prioritize depth and chemistry over chasing stars, I can understand if some fans feel a little underwhelmed with the final product.
"We OVERPAID for a ROLE PLAYER!" ?
KFTV Caller @Arifromanhattan was NOT HAPPY about the Knicks trade for Mikal Bridges! ?
Furthermore, I also wonder if the Knicks were a bit impatient with their pursuit of Bridges. SNY’s Ian Begley reported that Bridges told Nets brass he wanted to go to New York, and that his agent was informing other teams he would not sign with them long-term if they traded for him. Isn’t this the exact type of situation the Knicks have longed for? Why didn’t they have more leverage to strike a deal more on their terms instead of the Nets’ terms? It’s possible that Leon Rose and company felt that they absolutely needed Bridges to take the next step in the Eastern Conference, and that their dreams of landing an All-NBA level talent to pair with both Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle were not realistic.
Either way, the clock has been set, and one thing is clear. The Knicks are aimed and ready to go with their sights set on one thing only: the Boston Celtics. Opening night can’t come soon enough.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. Subscribe to the newsletter for KFTV content and events, shop discounts, and more at bit.ly/kftvmail. And in case you missed it, check out CP The Fanchise breaking down the Mikal Bridges trade with ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
The Knicks have all summer to build off a successful 2023-24 season. What are their trade options if they can’t make a big splash?
The Boston Celtics have won the NBA finals, so let’s spin their victory into Knicks content, as we did last year. There’s much to learn about roster construction with the final two teams.
Kristaps Porziņģis, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford were acquired from losing teams to contribute to winning, as were Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in 2023 and Andrew Wiggins in 2022. Derrick White began the 2021-22 season with the 10th-seeded Spurs.
There is value in diving into the league’s bottom of the barrel for talent that, at first glance, may not feel like a significant difference-maker. So, let’s look at a few options in the NBA Worst’s Well of Basketball Wealth (title pending) and identify some trade targets for the Knicks…
Knicks’ Team Needs and Financial Future
First, there’s a lot to consider about the Knicks regarding deals they make this offseason:
The nine-man rotation is almost set.
Tom Thibodeau has rarely expanded his rotation beyond nine players during his Knicks tenure. If OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein re-sign (no guarantee), they will have eight rotational players (the full-strength starting five, plus Josh Hart, Deuce McBride, and Mitchell Robinson). That leaves just one spot for a player to get consistent minutes. (Pre-OG, Deuce played 5.2 minutes per game with 13 DNPs in 2023-24 as the 10th man, for reference).
Of course, the playoffs proved that their gritty style requires insurance at each position, too. Ideally, New York uses at least one of their #24, #25, and #38 pick to find that. But it’s hard to imagine Thibs playing more than one rookie to fulfill the team’s glaring needs.
The glaring needs
The Knicks need a bench point guard, a scorer, wing insurance for OG and Julius Randle, and center depth. It sounds like they need everything, but the roster must be rounded out well if they can’t land another star next to Jalen Brunson.
These acquisitions won’t have to close games—the starting five plus Josh Hart will contend for that each night. I also believe Deuce McBride’s development will make him a better point guard and scorer. But a trade could help them improve if they…
Avoid the heat, stay out of the (second apron) kitchen
Per Bobby Marks, the Knicks will flirt with the second apron if they re-sign everyone and guarantee Bojan Bogdanovic’s $19 million contract to #RunItBack for 2024-25. We’ve discussed the new CBA here, and the stakes are explained below, too.
To avoid these financial repercussions, the Knicks should find cheaper alternatives for at least one of the nine rotational players. Bojan’s deal of $19 million, if they guarantee it, and Knick-lifer Mitchell Robinson’s $14.3 million contract are the prime financial assets to move for an upgrade if they fill the other open spot with a rookie player.
Let’s see what their options are.
Isaiah Hartenstein is EXPECTED to RETURN to the Knicks! ??
With that, the Knicks have reached out to opposing teams about the idea of moving Mitchell Robinson! ?
Washington Wizards (15-67): Kyle Kuzma, Corey Kispert, Deni Avdija
The Wizards landed the #2 pick and could select a forward like Zaccharie Risacher, creating a logjam at the position.
Kyle Kuzma is the likely odd man out. He’ll be 29 next season and has about three years and $64 million left on his deal. Although expensive now, it’s a descending deal that provides more flexibility as it ages, as if Leon Rose wrote the clauses himself for the CAA client. Since Washington isn’t ready to compete, they could take on some contracts with draft compensation.
Despite the team’s terribleness, Kuzma posted the highest PPG (22.2), APG (6.6), and FG% (.463) of his career. He’d provide size 6’9” and scoring around Brunson and depth for OG and Randle. He’s also won a title on a defense-first team, albeit in Disney.
Can he be disciplined on defense to earn Thibs’ trust? Would his decision-making as a scorer keep New York afloat to start second and fourth quarters? Those are the biggest concerns.
Corey Kispert, 25, will make $5.7 million next year and saw his minutes decrease in 2023-24 with rookie Bilal Coulibaly and Avdija’s emergence. At 6’7, he is a career .388 percent shooter from three on 5.1 attempts. He’s not the shot-creator the Knicks need, but he provides spacing and a contract low enough to enable an additional move.
With a new four-year, $55 million extension, Deni Avdija, 23, is the least likely to be moved, but the Wizards have made questionable front-office moves before (like giving Bradley Beal a no-trade clause). He’d make for a great connective piece as a 6’9 ball-mover and defender. He shot the ball well last year (.374 percent from three). And he also hates losing.
“Playing in your city & having the whole stadium cheering ‘Let’s go Knicks’…sometimes I’ll stare them down, I’ll be angry…This stadium needs to chant ‘let’s go DC’”
This is more of a fever dream. And still not quite the scorer the Knicks need. But Avdija is one of those former lottery picks who could truly break out when they start to play with other winners.
Portland Trail Blazers (21-61): Malcolm Brogdon
It’s probably not the best fit given his injury history, but Malcolm Brogdon would have made a difference in the 2024 playoffs, if healthy.
His on-ball playmaking, scoring, and size at the guard position would relieve Brunson and pair well alongside him and Randle. But at $22.5 million for 2024-25 only, he could complicate the Knicks’ financial position. Plus, he’ll be 32 in December and may struggle to get through 82+ games again. He’s still worth considering.
Charlotte Hornets (21-61): Nick Richards
Shout out to the KFTV callers who shared this idea. The 26-year-old center will make just $5 million next season and has the physical tools to be Thibs’ next big man project. He’ll likely start 2024-25 behind Mark Williams in the depth chart, and the Hornets should be willing to move their backup center for something.
Per 36 minutes, Richards averaged 11.0 rebounds (3.5 offensive) and 13.3 points on .691 shooting last season. If the Knicks want to save some money at center, here’s a viable option.
San Antonio Spurs (22-60): Keldon Johnson
I am well aware that Keldon Johnson had somewhat of a disappointing season in 2023-24, or at the very least, he lost his starting spot. I’m also aware that he is owed $19 million next season and $35 million total in the following two. But this kind of swing could make the front office look like geniuses if it works out.
Keldon is a 6’5” wing with questionable shooting (.346 from three last season), so physically, he sounds like another Josh Hart. But he’s aggressive on drives and creates off the dribble when he doesn’t spot up, which is the kind of playstyle the Knicks could use.
With this target, you’re banking on the upside from age (24), buy-in from a desire to win, and the Knicks getting a version of him that shoots like he did in 2021-22: a .398 three-point percentage and .545 EFG. His contract isn’t hefty for a 6th man type, and he can be paired with others if a big name becomes available later.
From the Spurs’ perspective, they have the #4 and #8 picks incoming to take minutes and could look to clear their books by taking Bojan’s expiring contract or bulk up on defense with Mitchell Robinson, plus whatever else they’d receive.
Atlanta Hawks (36-46): Bogdan Bogdanović, AJ Griffin
Among the rumors of a rebuild in Atlanta, exacerbated by their lottery victory, I haven’t heard much about Bogdan’s name in a fire sale. But he’d be a great fit for a few reasons.
He’s a tall ball-handler who can score, move the ball, and shoot (.384 percent for his career). Give him innings to eat with Deuce when Brunson sits, and I think that would make for a great offense/defense combination.
He’s not the greatest defender, but I’ll say this: if Thibs is such an excellent defensive coach (he is), he’ll have to live with needing to “protect” a guy other than Brunson on defense. At some point, you gotta score, too.
The Bogdanovićs’ contracts match well, but Bogdan has an additional year with a team option after that one. With some draft compensation, the Knicks can get a scorer, and the Hawks can get future cap flexibility.
Next up: what happened to AJ Griffin? The former Duke Blue Devil went from a slash line of .465/.390/.894 in 19.5 minutes his rookie year to .290/.256/1.000 in 8.6 minutes (20 games played) his sophomore season. It seems like it’s more than health—he also racked up several DNPCDs.
The Knicks have been interested in the former 16th overall pick since the 2022 draft. Would it hurt to check the price on a player still making rookie-deal money? If Atlanta uses their assets to rebuild a playoff-contention roster, it’s tough to see space for Griffin to play.
Golden State Warriors (46-36): Moses Moody
Every time I watch Moses Moody play—which isn’t much, thanks to Steve Kerr—I notice him make a big corner three, fight on defense, or grab a loose ball off a rebound. He couldn’t eclipse 17.5 minutes in his third year for a 10th-seeded Warriors team that featured a struggling Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, despite being a former lottery pick himself.
He screams ‘underdog.’ Welcome to the Knicks.
The 6’6” wing won’t make headlines as a scorer, but he could provide quality ninth-man minutes and step up if another swingman misses time. His three-point shooting (career .360 percentage) and upside (22 years old) provide hope for immediate and eventual contribution.
Golden State is in deep trouble with the second apron while awaiting a decision on Jonathan Kuminga’s extension and timelines. If Moody slips through the cracks, he’ll have suitors.
Los Angeles Lakers (47-35): Rui Hachimura
I have no idea what the Lakers are thinking when it comes to LeBron James, his son, D’Angelo Russell, Dan Hurley, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving. I don’t care, either. They are in danger of hitting the second apron. Are they willing to get Rui Hachimura off their books?
Rui averaged 13.6 points last season on .537/.422/.739 splits. At 6’8, he’s a solid scorer at all three levels and has good footwork in the post. He’s had some playoff moments, including being tasked with guarding Nikola Jokić and doing a decent job, all things considered. He makes $17 million in 2024-25 and $18.3 million the following.
The Lakers would likely prefer cap relief over Bojan or Mitch, so a three-teamer could be facilitated to deal one of them to a franchise with space. At 26 years old, I think Rui is another guy who could fulfill the Aaron Gordon/Andrew Wiggins on a contender.
Other Options for Knicks
Dejounte Murray: Okay, I’ll mention Dejounte Murray here purely out of obligation to say that he’d be an incredible option to run a bench unit. But if he were to start? DiVincenzo’s spacing as a deep-range shooter opened the floor for others. What impact would Dejounte’s midrange-heavy game have on Brunson and Randle’s rim attacks? Is there enough shooting between them? As a Klutch client, I don’t think he would be willing to come off the bench. That might reignite fire between the agency mafias.
Mikal Bridges: No. Because the Nets would never do that. Because you would have to outbid teams with much more to give up. Because I wouldn’t trade him for Julius Randle, nor would I start him over Donte DiVincenzo or OG Anunoby.
Dorian Finney-Smith: would be the better Nets target, considering the price. It still won’t happen.
Collin Sexton: It’s a valid idea. I’m just not a fan, personally, and I’d want more size in his role.
Jordan Clarkson: No thanks. Thibs would veto the deal himself.
Zach LaVine: There’s a lot of discourse about LaVine as an underachieving, “empty stats guy.” I’d like people to tell me which roster he was supposed to win more with. I think his contract (three years, $139 million) is too large for New York. But a team like Brooklyn should trade Ben Simmons for him. Really. He’s a talented scorer. Maybe he’d get fans to come to games.
Bruce Brown: I don’t see much upside, but he’s a winning player. Just not the offensive punch I think the Knicks need. But it wouldn’t be the worst move they would make. Can he reach his Denver Nuggets-level effectiveness on the Knicks?
Jaden Ivey: This is a big offseason for the Detroit Pistons. They have money to spend and another top-five prospect to bring in. Relegating Ivey to the bench in his second year was an iffy decision. On the Knicks, he’d be really dynamic in his ability to get downhill, although Tom Thibodeau may find an issue with his defense or something else.
Tari Eason: If the wing position gets too crowded for Houston, maybe they’d deal Tari for draft capital? Similar to Ivey, I’d keep an eye out. He’s a good defender and rebounder for a forward.
Conclusion: Knicks are good, must stay good
If the Knicks are out of the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes, and Joel Embiid is recruiting players to Philly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they head into 2024-25 with the same eight plus an MLE player. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t consider taking gambles on buy-low candidates who could outplay their current reputations.
I’m not concerned about constructing a team that can beat Boston. I’m more concerned about building a team that can compete year after year, and maybe one year, the conference will break open for them. Of course, the new CBA makes it hard to maintain sustainable contention, but the Knicks’ culture and front office’s foresight have earned my trust.
Who do you think the Knicks should trade for? Leave a comment down below.
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KFTV’s NBA Draft analyst identifies the most intriguing prospects the Knicks should consider in the 2024 draft.
Draft Profile Name: Ryan Dunn School and Year: Virginia, Sophmore (21 Years old) Height and Weight: 6-7, 212 Lbs 2023-24 Stats: 8.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG, 1.3 SPG Awards: ACC All-American
Strength: DEFENSE! DEFENSE! DEFENSE!
Ryan is the best defender in this class and maybe the best defender I’ve seen in years. He possesses great measurables with a 6’7″ height and a 7’2″ wingspan (via NBA Draft Combine). Along with that, his footwork is absolutely beautiful. He can move laterally with any offensive player and rarely gets beat off the dribble (1.3 SPG). His explosiveness (38.5″ max verticle and 32″ standing verticle via NBA Draft Combine) allows him to be a menace defending the paint. He led the ACC in blocks per game (2.3) as a wing. Even when he gets switched onto a big, he always seems to work relentlessly to deny the entry pass and make them work.
Ryan Dunn takes over games with his disruptive defense, suffocating opposing teams with swift rotations and amassing blocks/steals at an impressive rate.
At 6’7 with a near 7-foot-2 wingspan, Dunn's capable of guarding up-and-down a lineup — thanks to his exceptional effort,… pic.twitter.com/WHboFm7HJF
When Dunn hits the open floor, watch out. With his incredible athleticism and strength, he is sometimes impossible to stop in open space. His relentlessness on defense allows him to get a head start when the ball is loose and wreak havoc on fastbreaks. Dunn is also a beast at getting the bucket and finishing. He usually finishes with authority (36-38 on dunks) and overall finished at the rim at a .680 percent clip. He also showed he can be an elite cutter because he’s such a smart player. He understands with his lack of shooting that he needs to be able to create other ways to get a bucket, and he does this really well. With a good point guard, this can be unlocked even more.
Weaknesses: Shooting and Creation
Okay, so as excited as I get watching Ryan Dunn lock up your favorite ACC hooper, it’s the complete opposite feeling watching Dunn on offense. At one point, I felt like Dunn was a legit top-five talent because I believed the shot would come along, and I simply didn’t see it this year. He shot .200 from 3P even in just 35 attempts, and his shooting mechanics seem to be a bit off. He doesn’t lack confidence as a catch-and-shoot guy, but he seems to rush his shot too many times, leading to some ugly shots. Dunn also shot just .530 from the FT line, which is worrisome if you want to project his shot long-term. He doesn’t possess a mid-range game at the moment. Now, let’s also note that Virginia’s offense was brutal this season. But I didn’t see any in-between game for Dunn this year.
Summary
Ryan Dunn definitely fits the mold of a “Thibs Guy” with his tenacity on defense and relentless motor on both ends. His offense isn’t desirable, and that’s why he’s no longer a lottery lock. But like I mentioned before, Virginia is where your offense goes to die. So, there’s hope that Ryan can fix his shooting mechanics and improve his offensive creation with the proper coaching. Ryan Dunn’s athletic gifts and All-NBA Defense potential give him some of the highest upside in this 2024 class. He’s a player I think would thrive in New York.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. Subscribe to the newsletter for KFTV content and events, shop discounts, and more at bit.ly/kftvmail. And in case you missed it, check out today’s episode of Knicks Offseason Central discussing current Knicks rumors.
KFTV’s NBA Draft analyst identifies the most intriguing prospects the Knicks should consider in the 2024 draft.
The NBA Draft is slowly approaching and unlike last year, the Knicks have three picks in the upcoming draft (24,25, and 38). So in these player profiles, I will break down the strengths and weaknesses of some potential Knicks targets with the three picks they currently have.
Draft Profile Name: Tyler Kolek School and Year: Marquette, Senior (23 years old) Height and Weight: 6-1, 197 Lbs 2023-24 Stats: 15.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.7 APG, 49 FG% Awards: All-American, Big East POTY
Strength: Passing/Playmaking
The first thing that pops up when you watch Kolek at Marquette is his playmaking ability. He led the country in APG at 7.7, but it’s not just that he’s a great passer and playmaker—it’s his ability to make the tough pass while being doubled or put in tough PnR situations. For a guy of his size, he also possesses great velocity on his passes with great accuracy.
He also led the Big East in assist percentage at 42.1, so his ability to control the game at his pace might be his best trait as a prospect.
Koley made a leap as a scorer from his freshman and sophomore years, especially from the outside. Over the last two seasons, he shot a blistering 39% from deep. He’s not just a good spot-up shooter but can kill you with his off-the-dribble shooting and catch-and-shoot ability. A stat that my good scouting buddy Rich (aka MavsDraft on X) brought up was that Tyler was one of three high-level major players to shoot 55% from 2P, 38% from 3P, and 85% from the line (min 100 attempts), which is tremendous, especially for a guy of his size.
You might think he might not be good at getting to the basket, but Tyler does this very well and makes it look good with his quickness and shiftiness. Accordingly to Barttorvik, he finished at the rim at nearly 60% and just knows how to finish effortlessly win either hand.
Weaknesses: Size and Age
Okay, so let’s talk about Tyler’s weaknesses, and the main thing is his size. He was listed as 6-3 at Marquette but measured in at 6-1 and 197 Lbs. He’s very small, and it shows at times, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He doesn’t have much explosion, and that also showed at the NBA Combine with his low vert numbers: 27” standing vertical and a 34” max vertical.
Kolek doesn’t have an explosive first step, which is huge for guards in the NBA, so he tends to rely on screens for a head start. Now that doesn’t mean he’s a bad defender, because he’s a great team defender and uses his high IQ to play the passing lanes, but his lack of size will sometimes hurt him.
His age is another thing that’s talked about a lot. He’s 23 and will be 24 by the end of March 2025, so some may say that limits his upside.
Summary
When I think of “Thibs” guys, Tyler Kolek is definitely on the list of guys who fit that mold. He’s a high-IQ player who can lead a 2nd unit and make everyone better. The Knicks don’t have someone who can be a dynamic playmaker.Tyler Kolek can be that guy who can unlock guys on the 2nd unit alongside Miles “Deuce” McBride and create havoc for teams. If the Knicks stay put at 24 or 25, I wouldn’t be shocked if Kolek hears his name called!
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The New York Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers 130-109, bringing the season to an end. The bittersweet ending doesn’t change the fact this was a special year.
The Knicks’ season ended with a Game Seven loss to the Indiana Pacers 130-109. They were too injury-riddled to maintain their defensive intensity, and Indiana capitalized.
OG Anunoby started the game but could barely move around the court. Josh Hart made an incredible effort but couldn’t consistently match with Pascal Siakam. That left the Knicks to use cross-matches on defense with double-teams and help defense as a sort of band-aid for mismatches. The scheme didn’t stand a chance against a team that shoots like Indiana.
But the Knicks didn’t give up. They trailed by 15 points to start the second half and battled to creep within seven in the third quarter. That’s when a Deuce McBride turnover ended with Jalen Brunson fracturing his hand during the ensuing fast break. The Pacers’ lead ballooned from there despite New York continuing to fight.
The ending feels unfair but fitting. New York had fought through injuries since January, and the wounds continued to accumulate into their final game in May. The team showed resilience in fighting to a second seed and came within a game of the Eastern Conference Finals. They gave us a season to be proud of and fought until the end.
I won’t deride the players for this tough game, so this recap will often reflect on players’ contributions for the year. Let’s get into one last recap for a truly incredible season.
The Knicks’ starters struggle to get in sync
Jalen Brunson: 17 PTS (6/17 FG, 1/3 3PT, 4/5 FT), 9 AST, 1 TO in 29 mins
Jalen Brunson started the game with a bucket but never got into a comfortable rhythm shooting. The Pacers sent extra help his way, and Brunson responded with dimes to his teammates. But the Knicks’ star never got into a scoring flow.
Brunson broke his hand in a freak accident. Tyrese Haliburton went up on a fast break, and Brunson swiped at the ball but appeared to hit Haliburton’s elbow or knee. The injury sent New York’s star to the locker and spelled the end of his season.
It’s an unfortunate end to one of the greatest seasons most of us have seen from a Knick. Before the foot and hand injuries, Brunson provided postseason scoring comparable to only the greats. The diminutive guard debunked any claims that his height precludes him from leading a contender.
Brunson gets a 2 out of 5 for the game, but his season is the best I’ve ever witnessed for a Knick point guard. I don’t think anyone can deny that New York has a star.
Donte DiVincenzo: 39 PTS (11/21 FG, 9/15 3PT, 8/10 FT), 1 AST, 4 REB, 2 STL, 4 TO in 41 mins
Donte DiVincenzo tried to carry the Knicks’ offense by himself. After Brunson and OG left the game, DiVincenzo continued to shoot and make shots, forcing Indiana to remain vigilant. When Tyrese Haliburton got too comfortable, DiVo got in his grill. The Knicks sharpshooter let everyone know that New York wouldn’t back down.
DiVo’s game is a reflection of his season. DiVincenzo stepped up each time a new player got hurt. Grimes struggled early, and the Big Ragu claimed the starting role. With Randle out, New York needed more offense, and DiVo delivered. If Brunson didn’t have it, DiVincenzo was the next scorer to step up.
Let’s not forget that DiVincenzo set the record for three-pointers in a single season on the Knicks. He gave New York more than any of us could have hoped for in his debut season and added an edge to the team during tough playoff battles. DiVincenzo gets a 5 out of 5 for the game, and his season wouldn’t score much less if I rated it.
Josh Hart: 10 PTS (3/9 FG, 0/4 3PT, 4/4 FT), 5 AST, 8 REB, 2 STL in 37 mins
Josh Hart dealt with an abdominal injury that would sideline most players. He didn’t match up with Pascal Siakam like we’d seen in prior games, but he fought and stayed on the court for 37 minutes. Hart gave New York a valuable effort on the glass and as a playmaker.
You could catch Hart’s injury when he tried to shoot from a distance. I assume extending into the jumpers hurt because every three he shot fell short. He wore an impressive poker face, but he obviously wasn’t healthy.
Hart’s injury feels like the true moment of doom for this season. Once he got hurt, New York was out of wing defenders for Siakam and low on defenders in general. Hart felt like the embodiment of the team this season. The energizer was thrust into a more prominent role due to injuries—not only did he embrace the opportunity, but he also rose to the occasion.
Hart’s heroic effort gets a 2.5 out of 5, but his season is far better and more impactful than that single-game score.
OG Anunoby: 5 PTS (2/2 FG, 1/1 3PT) in 5 mins
OG Anunoby tried to give New York a Willis Reed moment. He came in and knocked down a pair of quick jumpers. But OG’s movement was severely limited. The Pacers moved the ball quickly, and Anunoby’s rotations couldn’t keep up. So, OG sat after only five minutes of action.
Anunoby’s season is what we’ll point to for our “what if” conversations. The Knicks were 20-3 with OG playing in the regular season, but he only played 23 games because of injuries. New York looked lethal again when he returned for the postseason, and the Pacers didn’t win a game until after Anunoby’s hamstring injury.
New York found a defender that made everything click. Sadly, we barely got to see him play with a healthy roster. But if the Knicks made zero changes in the offseason and ran it back with the same team, we could be confident that the healthy squad could compete with any team in the league.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 0 PTS (0/2 FG), 2 AST, 8 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 30 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein never looked the same after falling on his shoulder a while back. His shot volume tanked after the injury, and his floater stopped falling. I-Hart’s rebounding stayed strong but not as impactful as before. Even his defense in the lanes felt like a shadow compared to his prior rim protection.
Hartenstein’s free agency is one of the most interesting parts of the offseason. He stepped into a starting role and thrived. The Knicks have Mitchell Robinson, but Mitch has injury concerns that can’t be denied. Even when Robinson is healthy, Hartenstein complements Mitch by adding passing and spacing. They’re a two-headed monster that I’d like to keep.
But Big Hart has earned a payday. If another team offers I-Hart 20 million dollars a season, the Knicks can’t match it. So, his negotiation is tricky. But I really hope Hartenstein sticks around in New York. The big man gets a 2 out of 5 for this game, but his season was far more valuable.
New York’s second unit gets a gem from Burks
Miles McBride: 8 PTS (4/14 FG, 0/6 3PT), 2 AST, 5 REB, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 40 mins
Miles McBride entered the game after five minutes and barely sat after. He had nice moments scoring off the dribble but couldn’t get any jumpers to fall. His confidence in his jumper seemed shaken as he passed up an open look and turned the ball over in a crucial third-quarter play.
But Deuce found ways to produce. He got after rebounds and fought defensively, though Haliburton got the best of him this time. McBride played scrappy basketball and helped where he could. He had a rough game, but it still carried hallmarks of a play style we’ve all come to appreciate.
In one season, he went from an afterthought to a crucial rotation piece. I’m proud of the progress we’ve seen and excited to see how he develops from here. He has a jumper now, attacks the basket well, and his awareness as a passer has improved. Deuce ends the season on a 1.5 out of 5 performance, but I’m hopeful that he enters the Sixth Man of the Year conversation next year.
Alec Burks: 26 PTS (8/13 FG, 2/5 3PT, 8/8 FT), 2 AST, 3 REB in 27 mins
Alec Burks gave DiVincenzo and the Knicks much-needed scoring support. He entered the game and got to work, hitting tough shots throughout the night. Nothing felt wasted for the vet, who scored 26 points on just thirteen attempts. He never stopped making his touches count.
It’s hard to review Burks’s season fairly. He dealt with a shoulder injury, but we never received clarification on how bad it was. His regular-season struggles seem related to the injury because when he got opportunities in the postseason, Burks rose to the occasion.
I doubt Burks will return, with New York having limited roster space and cap to spare. He’s an unrestricted free agent and might find more opportunities on another roster. But I’m glad Burks ended his year by reminding us how good he can be. Burks’ final game gets a 4 out of 5 for insane scoring efficiency.
Precious Achiuwa: 4 PTS (2/7 FG, 0/1 3PT), 1 AST in 28 mins
Precious Achiuwa ended the season on a tough night. He had to play power forward minutes, which wasn’t easy for the big man in this series. The big man tried to contain Pascal Siakam but felt stretched thin trying to contain his former teammate while also helping others.
Indiana kept Achiuwa off the glass, which limited his impact. Precious didn’t get the easy putbacks of his previous performances, and his efficiency tanked. But I respected Achiuwa’s effort, and we know he can provide more than that last game showed.
Precious played the best basketball of his career, filling in for injured Knicks. From the middle of January until the end of the season, Achiuwa stepped up whenever New York needed minutes. He flashed the potential to be a quality piece on a great team, though the rough edges to his game are undeniable. Precious gets a 1 out of 5 for the challenging game, but I’ll always appreciate his role in this season.
Tom Thibodeau’s due for a raise
Tom Thibodeau faced an impossible task once it became clear that OG Anunoby couldn’t play. With Josh Hart hobbled, Thibodeau was all out of wing defenders. He often used Isaiah Hartenstein on Pascal Siakam, but the Center ran into foul trouble and help defenders left shooters open.
Thibodeau spent the entire season getting the most out of his players. He found solutions for every injury but ran out of players. The fact that New York made it this far with so many injuries proves that Thibodeau accomplished something extraordinary. He’s earned a new contract for giving the Knicks a clear structure for players to thrive.
I’m excited to see if New York brings in young players with their picks and the impending arrival of Rokas Jokubaitis. Young players have developed nicely under Thibodeau, and I’ll be curious to see if the pattern continues.
Closing Thoughts:
It’s a bittersweet ending to a season that felt like it could have been more. The Knicks overcame many hurdles to get here, and the basketball gods threw more injuries in the way. So, it hurts to see New York depleted in their loss and to know they could have pushed farther with just a bit of injury luck.
That said, I won’t linger on the negative—not after the season we just witnessed. The Knicks played a game that was fearless but devoid of ego. They rose to every challenge and helped each other through the toughest moments of the season. I’ve never been more proud of a roster than this team.
The Knicks have no reason to hang their heads. I’ll appreciate every player who had a role this season, even those who were traded. They all helped give me the most exciting season of this millennium. I’m grateful for the special year we just witnessed.
As the offseason approaches, I’ll take a break to recharge. But the offseason brings its own set of interesting decisions, developments, and discussions. So, I’m sure we’ll have plenty to discuss soon.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my recaps! Thanks to KFTV for the inspiration to keep writing. I’ll add special appreciation to Alex and Jalen, who edited my work, and Gamba for all the fantastic graphics. Thanks, everyone! I’ll see you all next time, Knicks fam!
The New York Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers after Josh Hart was hobbled by an abdominal injury. The loss paves the way for game seven at the Garden.
The New York Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers 116-103, paving the way for a decisive game seven at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks failed to keep up with an angry and desperate Pacers side. Worst of all, Josh Hart left the game with an abdominal injury, leaving New York without its energizer.
The Knicks kept up with Indiana through the first quarter. Both teams set a frantic pace, battling for rebounds and paint supremacy. But New York wavered after Hart began favoring his side. Indiana closed the half on a big run that only subsided thanks to a three-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo at the very end of the quarter.
The second half only looks close because of a run by New York in garbage time. While the Knicks continued competing, the Pacers steadily built on their lead. Jalen Brunson’s offense kicked into gear, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Indiana’s scoring. Tom Thibodeau threw in the towel with three minutes left in the action.
The Knicks will face Indiana in a do-or-die game tomorrow, and they have adjustments to make. Let’s examine the players’ performances for hints at adjustments after this disappointing loss.
The Knicks’ starters struggle to get in sync
Jalen Brunson: 31 PTS (11/26 FG, 3/8 3PT, 6/9 FT), 5 AST, 1 REB, 1 TO in 38 mins
Jalen Brunson knocked down his first two shots before going ice cold for the first half. He shot 2/13 in the half, and the Knicks’ momentum slipped as Brunson mishandled several consecutive possessions in the second quarter. The Knicks’ star struggled to get space, facing full-court pressure and ball denial. But Brunson missed even the easy looks, including three of his first four free-throw attempts.
Brunson came to life in the second half, pouring on 14 points in the third quarter alone. The scorer picked on defenders who oversold screens. But New York’s offense relied too heavily on the diminutive guard, as it felt like no one else could score save for a couple of jumpers by Deuce McBride.
Brunson struggled with the Pacers’ defense early. Even when he got his offense going, Brunson’s decision-making felt delayed. He didn’t pass well enough to compensate for his poor shooting night. The Knicks’ MVP receives a 2 out of 5 for getting his shot going but not driving the ball movement.
Miles McBride: 20 PTS (8/12 FG, 4/6 3PT), 1 AST, 2 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 35 mins
This game could have been a blowout sooner if not for Miles McBride’s excellent first half. Deuce hit jumper after jumper as the Pacers leaned too far in Brunson’s direction. McBride didn’t just hurt Indiana off the catch-and-shoot, though. He attacked Haliburton with a pull-up jumper and finished some transition opportunities.
McBride’s defense failed to match its Game 5 intensity. Tyrese Haliburton attacked Deuce more effectively. The Knicks’ defender also got caught up in tough cross matches when New York was forced into switches in transitions and against screens.
McBride gave the Knicks a pulse in the first half. Deuce worked hard on defense despite failing to match his impact from prior efforts. He still picked New York up through effort and shooting. McBride gets a 3 out of 5 for his effort.
After a pair of poor-shooting games, Donte DiVincenzo got back on track. He knocked down his threes at a good clip and made plays inside the arc. I wished DiVo would attack more during Brunson’s cold first half.
DiVincenzo continued to play impactful defense, making plays when Indiana made its pushes. He’d poke a steal free or swing over to help defend at the rim at the most timely moment. But the Pacers did well in containing the Big Ragu’s tertiary playmaking and rebounding.
I’ll categorize this performance as heating up rather than on fire. DiVo shot well and scored double-digits for the first time in three games. But Knicks fans know that there’s another gear he can find. DiVincenzo gets a 2.5 out of 5 for a good but not great performance.
Josh Hart: 5 PTS (2/6 FG, 1/4 3PT), 3 AST, 8 REB, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 31 mins
Josh Hart started strong, grabbing boards and battling with Pascal Siakam on defense. The energizer scrambled for loose balls, dove to make plays, and scrapped up until he began grabbing the left side of his stomach.
Hart began favoring his side, and the injury was apparent. The wing struggled to move laterally, giving up basket after basket to his matchups, particularly Siakam. The constant worker even asked out of the game twice.
Hart couldn’t finish the game due to his injury. He had a positive impact right until the moment he came up hobbled. While Hart tried to play through the injury, he struggled after and earned a 2 out of 5 for battling through injury.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 4 PTS (1/3 FG, 2/2 FT), 6 AST, 7 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 33 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein put together another impressive passing performance, but the rest of his production dipped. The Pacers kept Hartenstein off the boards with constant box-outs and gang rebounding. They also negated his scoring inside, as Hartenstein barely attempted shots, let alone scored.
I credit Indiana’s defense for taking away some of Hartenstein’s options. But he made things easy by always looking for the pass. I-Hart needs to attack more. That means periodically diving to the rim instead of cutting to the top of the key and finding spots to use his floater or even post-up.
Big Hart wasn’t bad, but I want to see more aggression from him. The Pacers have done well to contain him in three of the six games, and New York has lost all three. Hartenstein gets a 2 out of 5 for good passing but light production elsewhere.
New York’s second unit loses its edge
Alec Burks: 11 PTS (2/8 FG, 1/5 3PT, 6/7 FT), 1 AST, 3 REB in 25 mins
Alec Burks finally cooled off, though he still wasn’t bad. Indiana kept players closer to Burks, which forced him to take more contested looks. The microwave scorer couldn’t shake free and shot poorly from the field.
But Burks cleverly got to the line repeatedly. He’s one of the only Knicks to shoot well from the charity stripe. The shooter also grabbed a couple of tough contested boards.
Burks provided some punch and gravity off the bench. But the Knicks could use a better performance from him in the next one. The scorer nabs a 1.5 out of 5.
Precision Achiuwa: 12 PTS (5/8 FG, 0/1 3PT, 2/5 FT), 8 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK in 26 mins
Precious Achiuwa gave New York good minutes. He led the team in rebounding after Josh Hart’s ab injury and provided some of the energy Hart could not provide. Precious got into the lanes for putbacks, using his mobility to get to spots before Indiana could displace him.
Achiuwa’s mobility also helped defensively. TJ McConnell has a more challenging time breaking free when Precious is hedging or helping. My only complaint is that Precious defended jump shots poorly, but Hartenstein has been no better in that category.
I’d contend that Precious was the stronger interior presence of the Knicks’ big men in this game. He grabbed more boards, scored more inside, and had more Stocks. If Hartenstein struggles again in game seven, Precious should get more opportunities. Achiuwa earns a 3 out of 5 for giving New York a much-needed paint presence.
Tom Thibodeau’s job just got even trickier
Tom Thibodeau and Rick Carlisle have played chess with their adjustments throughout this series. However, Thibodeau could be in trouble if Josh Hart is hindered by injury. The Knicks already lost OG Anunoby, and without Hart, they don’t have a defender for Pascal Siakam.
Thibodeau has made this roster work despite numerous injuries throughout the season. But he’s not a miracle worker, and the Knicks can’t defend Indiana’s high-powered offense if they lose another critical wing defender.
Closing Thoughts:
A Game Seven at MSG feels perfect for this season. It wouldn’t be the Knicks without coming down to the wire. The Knicks have fought every step of the way, meeting challenge after challenge for months.
But Josh Hart’s injury scares me. It feels like the Knicks are running out of fuel. They’ve overcome every challenge, but the version of New York we’re watching is a shadow of the team that dominated January.
Bob Myers said if the Knicks lose this series, it will be because of health. Michael Wilson said if the Knicks were healthy, he’d take them over the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. But New York’s not healthy, and it has gotten progressively worse.
Whether game seven introduces a new high point for the season or a difficult end, New York has proven to be full of fighters. They won’t back down, and that’s why we appreciate them. They’re a team we can be proud of, so we’ll show up regardless of who’s left to play. We know the Knicks won’t back down.
I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. Subscribe to the newsletter for KFTV content and events, shop discounts, and more at bit.ly/kftvmail. And in case you missed it, check out CP The Fanchise calling out Draymond Green for ducking their debate!
The New York Knicks dominated the Indiana Pacers, winning by 30 points to avenge a blowout loss in game four. New York is one game away from the ECF.
The New York Knicks crushed the Indiana Pacers 121-91, avenging their blowout loss in Indiana and taking a 3-2 lead in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
The Knicks looked angry from the start, and Jalen Brunson looked healthier. That combination, along with the inclusion of Deuce McBride in the starting lineup, pushed New York to a 38-point first quarter. The Pacers fought back but faded as the Knicks’ defensive intensity grew in the second quarter.
As the game got away from Indiana, the Pacers got chippy. Isaiah Jackson and Isaiah Hartenstein were involved in a second-quarter scuffle. Then Myles Turner kept things interesting in the third quarter, first by hitting three consecutive three-pointers and next by scuffling with Donte DiVincenzo as the game began to get away from Indiana again.
The Knicks handled business and erased any confidence the Pacers had coming from Game Four. Let’s look at each player’s contributions to the win.
The Knicks’ starters get the Brunson Burner back
Jalen Brunson: 44 PTS (18/35 FG, 2/6 3PT, 6/7 FT), 7 AST, 4 REB, 3 TO in 43 mins
Jalen Brunson looked much better getting around the court and hitting his shots. I still noticed his bad foot sliding on him after a few hop steps, but he looked increasingly comfortable as the game wore on. The Pacers couldn’t bump Brunson off-balance as easily, meaning he could get to his spots to attack at will.
Brunson’s ability to score in the paint is always dazzling. He finished difficult shots through contact or quick-release floaters at the rim. With his base stronger, Brunson could explode past defenders and pivot more quickly, leading to one crossover that made Aaron Nesmith fall. New York’s MVP dominated enough to force Indiana into hard double-teams before the third quarter was over.
Even with Indiana doubling at half-court, Brunson continued to score. He made smart passes and worked off-ball to get to open spots. The Knicks’ star finished with an unstoppable 44 points and seven assists, mainly to shooters. Brunson gets another 5 out of 5 for absolutely dominating the action.
Miles McBride: 17 PTS (7/15 FG, 3/7 3PT), 4 AST, 1 REB, 1 TO in 40 mins
Miles McBride got the start in a small-ball lineup and immediately made his presence felt. He knocked down threes to stretch the floor and helped New York keep up with the speedy Indiana counterattacks. But Deuce wasn’t resigned to jump shots and did some of his best work by getting into the lane off the dribble or with backdoor cuts.
More important than his scoring boost, McBride gave New York a pressure-defender on Tyrese Haliburton from the opening tip. I’ll admit that part of Haliburton’s vanishing acts in the Garden appear mental, but let’s not ignore McBride’s impact. He made it tough for Haliburton to break free for easy looks and broke any rhythm Indiana’s “star” might get into.
Deuce also gave the Knicks an additional tertiary playmaker. The ball movement from the starters looked tremendous, as all five players are willing passers and smart cutters. McBride’s entry into the starting line-up feels like a series-changing move, and he gets a 4 out of 5 for locking up and outscoring Haliburton.
Donte DiVincenzo: 8 PTS (4/14 FG, 0/6 3PT), 4 AST, 7 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 30 mins
Donte DiVincenzo had a bad shooting game, but not a bad game. The Pacers worked hard to chase DiVo off the three-point line, disrupting his rhythm and keeping him from ever making a three. But DiVincenzo responded off the dribble, attacking the rim to mixed results while chipping in a handful of dimes off kickouts.
But DiVincenzo’s impact appeared in his defense and some timely plays. He frustrated the Pacers ball-handlers, fighting through screens and picking up three steals. The Big Ragu also drew offensive fouls, some of which led to altercations, but he never backed down. DiVincenzo played bigger than his position, grabbing seven boards, including a highlight reel putback that started Indiana’s final slide from competing.
DiVo’s had back-to-back woeful shooting nights. But his work everywhere else helped make up for the struggles this time. We know DiVincenzo won’t stay cold for long, so I suspect a shooting explosion is approaching. The Big Ragu gets a 2.5 out of 5, though his postgame interview would have earned him a 3 if I could count it.
Josh Hart: 18 PTS (7/16 FG, 2/7 3PT, 2/2 FT), 3 AST, 11 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 3 TO in 39 mins
Josh Hart continues to sit wide open above the break, receiving passes with too much space to do anything but shoot. Yet he turned in a fantastic game despite missing most of his three-point attempts. This is why I keep saying that Hart HAS to shoot. He made just two of his seven attempts from three, but the threat to shoot created seams for him to attack.
Hart constantly got into the heart of the defense. The energizer killed Indiana in transition and added a few more field goals by driving right into the space defenders gave him. He showed hesitance early on, which led to turnovers, but things changed as soon as he began to act decisively.
Hart also keyed New York’s defensive rebounding while playing elite defense on Pascal Siakam. It’s incredible to watch someone force an all-start like Siakam to fight for every basket while leading his team in defensive rebounds and pushing the pace the opposite way. Hart is a special player, unlike any other guard I can recall, which is worth a 4.5 out of 5 in this game.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 7 PTS (2/3 FG, 3/4 FT), 5 AST, 17 REB, 1 BLK, 1 TO in 31 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein set the tone for the night by slamming home a monstrous putback. I-Hart would continue to dominate the offensive glass, tying Charles Oakley for the Knicks’ record 12 offensive rebounds in a game. By comparison, Indiana’s leading rebounder grabbed eight boards overall.
Hartenstein didn’t only crush the Pacers on the offensive glass. He scored or drew fouls on a handful of looks inside and picked the defense apart with passing throughout the action. Myles Turner couldn’t hedge or double Brunson aggressively without Hartenstein making Indiana pay.
This was also Big Hart’s best defensive effort in a while. Hartenstein couldn’t stop Turner from making three-pointers, but he kept the Pacers’ big man’s offense stuck on the perimeter. Hartenstein gets a 4.5 out of 5 for controlling the middle of the floor at both ends.
New York’s second unit has two big contributors
Alec Burks: 18 PTS (6/11 FG, 5/8 3PT, 1/2 FT), 5 REB in 23 mins
Alec Burks continues to shine when the lights are brightest. He knocked down shot after shot, providing the spacing that DiVincenzo normally does. When Burks pairs with Brunson, he can float on the perimeter and find open space to fire. Ironically, the bench shooter’s best play came on a move off the dribble.
Burks gave the Knicks’ second unit a needed scoring punch. Indiana’s bench received praise for dominating the series early, but Burks has helped curb that advantage. Suddenly, the Knicks’ bench has a reliable double-digit scorer to spell the starting wings.
I complained about the defensive drawbacks of playing MJ Burks too long. But he made me eat crow this time. Burks defended with extra effort, particularly on TJ McConnell’s attempts to bump his way into fadeaway jumpers inside. This version of Alec Burks could play extended minutes if needed, and he gets a 3 out of 5 for the effort.
Precision Achiuwa: 4 PTS (2/6 FG, 0/1 3PT), 2 AST, 5 REB, 2 STL, 2 BLK in 23 mins
Precious Achiuwa didn’t score efficiently, but it hardly mattered. Precious’ impact came on the defensive end, first and foremost! His mobility ate into the efficacy of Indiana’s five-out approach. Achiuwa blew up multiple plays simply by rotating fast and hard to a would-be shooter.
Achiuwa’s ball denial might sneak by viewers who focus on the ball. I caught him battling with Pascal Siakam throughout his minutes, refusing to allow Siakam to receive the ball in his comfortable spots on the floor. Keep an eye on how Precious’ off-ball defense takes options away from ball-handlers next game.
While Achiuwa’s numbers don’t fly off the sheet, his two steals and two blocks are the most essential tallies to note. The Knicks’ defense didn’t skip a beat when Precious replaced Hartenstein, and he even looked okay in spot minutes at power forward. Achiuwa gets a 3 out of 5 for giving the bench a defensive presence.
Tom Thibodeau makes a key change and reaps the benefits
I spent the previous two recaps asking for a change to the starting lineup. Tom Thibodeau made the change I was hoping for. Thibs moved Deuce McBride into the starting lineup, and McBride provided the energy and defense I expected.
Speaking of energy, I’m not sure Thibodeau had to do much to motivate his players. Brunson, Hart, and Hartenstein showed up with fire from the opening tip. I don’t think they smiled even after the win was secured. This team is focused and feels like a reflection of their coach.
Closing Thoughts:
To quote Mike Breen, “and just like that,” the Knicks are one game away from the Eastern Conference Finals. Since February, it’s felt like everyone is waiting for injuries and fatigue to catch up to the Knicks. I’ve often bought into the concerns, but this team has responded every time.
As you watch national pundits speak about the Knicks’ minutes or complain about the refs, remember that they don’t get to watch as much New York basketball as we do. This is new to them, but we’ve seen this team do it all year. They’re never down for long; if they get hit, they’ll punch back.
New York’s on the verge of the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since Patrick Ewing, and it’s tough to imagine these Knicks failing even when their backs are against the wall. They’ve shown us who they are all season; they’re winners!
The Knicks get a chance to close the series on Friday, but no one’s beaten Indiana at home in this postseason yet. If New York starts strong, they can pressure Indiana into fading. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!
The New York Knicks were blown out by the Indiana Pacers. They looked exhausted from the jump, but the good news is that the series remains tied.
The New York Knicks were blown out by the Indiana Pacers 121-89, tying their second-round series at 2-2. The Knicks started slow, missing shots that allowed the Pacers to attack in transition. Indiana’s fast breaks allowed the Pacers to get comfortable and pushed a Knicks team that looked tired from the start.
We can blame fatigue, the letdown from game 3, injuries, or anything else. However, the fact remains that New York showed little resistance. The Knicks trailed by double figures for most of the game and spent the second half fighting to get within 20 points.
Players looked hurt, tired, or both. But let’s examine their performances for noteworthy action.
The Knicks’ starters take the day off
Jalen Brunson: 18 PTS (6/17 FG, 0/5 3PT, 6/9 FT), 5 AST, 3 REB, 2 STL, 2 TO in 31 mins
Jalen Brunson played his worst game of the postseason. He started the day missing four shots early that helped dig New York’s hole. New York’s star struggled to explode past defenders and often missed shots even if he got to his favorite spots on the floor. The MVP candidate couldn’t get open jumpers to fall, and even his paint touches ended with inconsistent results.
Brunson’s inability to create separation also hurt his playmaking. But he still picked spots to find open teammates, such as an early pick-and-roll dime to Hartenstein. He also made a respectable effort on defense, though his foot issues showed up in some late rotations.
Brunson fought hard but couldn’t get anything going. The Knicks rely so heavily on his production that they fell apart without it. There was no one to pick him up this time, and the team suffered for it. Brunson gets a 1 out of 5 for a brutal night.
To Brunson’s credit, he’s making no excuses. I suspect we’ll see a fired-up version of New York’s MVP next time, as long as his foot permits.
Jalen Brunson: “Yeah, we’re short-handed but that doesn’t matter right now. We have what we have and we need to go forward with that. There is no ‘we’re short-handed.’ There’s no excuse. There’s no excuse whatsoever.” Full quote: pic.twitter.com/1L1czTiQuL
Donte DiVincenzo: 7 PTS (3/13 FG, 1/6 3PT), 4 AST, 5 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TO in 32 mins
Donte DiVincenzo’s jumper looked flat. I assumed fatigue set in as more shots looked labored as they rattled against the rim. DiVo’s quick-trigger shooting failed him, which impacted the rest of his game.
DiVo tried attacking off the dribble with mixed results. He didn’t finish well, which I’m chalking up to tired legs. But the Big Ragu mixed in quality passing and playmaking off the dribble. He runs the pick and roll well enough to initiate the play more often, at least while Brunson is laboring.
DiVincenzo’s scoring suffered, but I credit him for working at everything else. His defense looked good, and he grabbed five boards on a day when the Knicks were outworked. It’s enough to salvage a 2 out of 5 for his work on everything but shooting.
Josh Hart: 2 PTS (1/6 FG, 0/2 3PT), 2 AST, 3 REB, 2 TO in 24 mins
Josh Hart showed signs of fatigue last game and looked spent this time. We’ve been spoiled by his constant ability to fly up and down the floor, making plays throughout the game. But this time, Hart couldn’t catch up to the speed of the action.
Hart slowing down is understandable, but his hesitation to shoot open looks is increasingly frustrating. He’s being left wide open at the top of the key and has to pull the trigger. I’ve previously mentioned that shooting frequency affects spacing almost as much as accuracy. Hart needs to take those shots when he’s open.
New York’s energizer had no fuel. When the Knicks need a big play, Hart is a reliable player who can make something out of nothing. But he didn’t have it this time. Hart gets a 1 out of 5 for failing to make an impact.
Precious Achiuwa: 8 PTS (4/7 FG, 0/2 FT), 6 REB in 24 mins
Precious Achiuwa had his moments. He grabbed offensive boards frequently, following slashers into the lane and reaping the benefits of the openings they created. That helped him pick up some easy baskets, as he only scored once off the dribble.
But Precious needed more impact everywhere else. He only grabbed one defensive rebound and didn’t clock anything else on the box score. Achiuwa looked out of sorts defensively until he shifted to center in the second half.
Achiuwa’s not at fault for New York’s struggles. But it increasingly looks like he’s not the solution. Precious hasn’t worked at power forward in this series, leading to a rotation in the second half. Achiuwa gets a 1.5 out of 5 for some solid board work, but not much else.
Isaiah Hartenstein: 4 PTS (2/3 FG), 5 REB, 2 TO in 22 mins
Isaiah Hartenstein had it rough. He took a nasty fall in the first half, landing on his shoulder and writhing in pain. But Hartenstein toughed it out and continued to play the rest of the way. Unfortunately, I-Hart didn’t get much of anything beyond a nice dunk to start the game.
Hartenstein typically does more for New York as a passer and defender than a scorer. That wasn’t the case here. Myles Turner shot a perfect 5/5 on the day and won the matchup outright. Big Hart didn’t pick up a single assist, either.
I-Hart has to be better for New York to stand a chance. He’s been a defensive anchor for most of the season, but he’s losing his matchup in this series. Even the Pacers’ small guards look comfortable attacking the paint. Hartenstein gets a 0.5 out of 5 for one of his worst games as a starter.
New York’s second unit found its scoring but needs to defend
Miles McBride: 16 PTS (6/17 FG, 3/11 3PT, 1/2 FT), 4 AST, 5 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 32 mins
Deuce McBride finally got some scoring going, but it wasn’t efficient. He missed open looks from three more often than he made them. Deuce found some success driving and taking pull-up jumpers inside the arc but didn’t attack frequently enough to make up for his misses.
It’s also notable that a chunk of Deuce’s production came in garbage time during the fourth quarter. The entire quarter was a glorified scrimmage, and Deuce spent that time trying to get his game on track. I hope that reaps benefits in the next few games.
Deuce’s defense had no chance of standing out in this blowout. His production looks good, but it was inefficient and came while the game was out of hand. We’re still waiting for McBride to put his stamp on this series. Deuce gets a 2 out of 5 for finding some success offensively.
Alec Burks: 20 PTS (5/11 FG, 2/6 3PT, 8/10 FT), 2 AST, 5 REB in 23 mins
Alec Burks is the pleasant surprise of the losing streak. He’s provided offense when no one else had it going. The microwave scorer did a fantastic job getting to the free-throw line, which added more efficiency to an already strong performance.
The scorer’s offensive contributions have to be taken in context. Nobody looked good on defense against Indiana, but Burks still stood out for mistakes. Tyrese Haliburton chased after a matchup with Burks and scored repeatedly on him. So, Burks can provide scoring punch, but he can’t be left out there too long; it backfires.
Burks gets a 3 out of 5, but due to his defensive shortcomings, I’d be nervous if he played more than 20 minutes in a game.
Jericho Sims: 4 PTS (1/1 FG, 2/2 FT), 6 REB, 2 STL in 16 mins
Most of Jericho Sims’ minutes came in the fourth quarter, which barely mattered. But he did play some meaningful minutes before that. Unfortunately, it was slim pickings to find anything noteworthy.
Sims LEVELED TJ McConnell on a screen in the backcourt, and that’s one way to calm Indiana down from their full-court pressure on Brunson. As a matter of fact, to set the toughest screen of the series, I give Sims a 2 out of 5.
Tom Thibodeau can’t solve Indiana’s riddle
It’s tough to pin New York’s blowout loss to Tom Thibodeau because no one played well. With everyone playing poorly from start to finish, it doesn’t feel like there was much Thibs could do. However, I still found myself confused by some of Thibodeau’s decisions.
In the last recap, I asked for a starting lineup change, but Thibodeau stuck with Precious at power forward. That failed again, and Thibs went smaller with McBride over Precious in the second half. I didn’t love the first-half rotation and its substitution patterns, either.
Closing Thoughts:
The beauty of the playoffs is that the point differential won’t change the fact that this series is tied. The Pacers can celebrate the win, but this series still comes down to whoever wins two of the following three games. Whether they won by thirty points or not, the Pacers’ victory only served to even the series.
Our real concerns come from New York’s fatigue. If New York is fresh, they can handle this Pacers team, which we’ve already seen. But if Brunson is hurt and other players are out of gas, Indiana’s pace will rule the day.
The Knicks can take this series if they hold serve at home. I expect a better effort when they return to New York, and they’ll get extra rest heading to game six. So, the sky’s not falling, Knicks’ fam. There’s a lot of basketball to be played. I’ll see you next time!
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