sco wrote:MrSparkle wrote:I also didn’t care for the KAT trade. They should’ve kept Hartenstein, and probably targeted Caruso as an addition. As absurd as it sounds, these 2 roleplayers are probably going to be the reason OKC wins a ring.
Their guard depth stinks, and I can’t blame Thibs for playing Brunson to death. They’re definitely missing Divincenzo’s 3Ps.
I saw a weird stat (I think for the playoffs) where when either Brunson or KAT were on the floor the Knicks were +15 and when they were both on the floor, the Knicks were -20. It goes to the old rule of thumb, and a roster issue for us...you can hide 1 bad defender but not 2.
Yeah, losing Donte was a blow. They had no chance to keep Hartenstein, IIRC the most they could offer due to rule was around $15M.
Not surprised - not enough offense without them, and depth in the Knicks sucks, and when both on there is exposure.
I think that is why the KAT trade hurt, though. 2 for 1 in terms of players that can score. Yeah, KAT is better than both, but Randle gives you enough to be balanced when on with the others, can create some, etc., and ditto Donte, who also helps add spacing that Knicks sorely needed. OG and Mikal don't really create for themselves or others, not Hart, so they are completely dependent on Brunson -- KAT can offset a bit for someone subbing for Brunson, but so could Randle and Donte. Meanwhile, the weak D from both, which is exacerbated by the amount of offensive load that they needed to carry not because Mikal and OG are bad on offense, but still needed things set up for them, plus the 5th guy would be bad (either at shooting or overall) adding burden.
