Mikal Bridges

[3toheadmelo]

man the heat aren’t doing that, doesn’t really solve a single issue they have with their team

That’s if they want to go in a younger route. My point is that you have to do that trade if it’s ever available. Brunson/Mikal/butler/KAT puts us in that same tier as Boston.

i think we already are with og

Forgot to add OG in there too. But I disagree, we saw how behind we are from Boston when we played them.

[cgf]

man the heat aren’t doing that, doesn’t really solve a single issue they have with their team

That’s if they want to go in a younger route. My point is that you have to do that trade if it’s ever available. Brunson/Mikal/butler/KAT puts us in that same tier as Boston.

i think we already are with og

I also don't think you get the same performance out of Mikal & OG if they're sharing the #4 role instead of the #3 role.

[cgf]

That’s if they want to go in a younger route. My point is that you have to do that trade if it’s ever available. Brunson/Mikal/butler/KAT puts us in that same tier as Boston.

i think we already are with og

Forgot to add OG in there too. But I disagree, we saw how behind we are from Boston when we played them.

I dunno how much to take from that one. We're already a lot better than we were then and they were unfathomably hot from 3, even by their standards.

[3toheadmelo]

i think we already are with og

Forgot to add OG in there too. But I disagree, we saw how behind we are from Boston when we played them.

I dunno how much to take from that one. We're already a lot better than we were then and they were unfathomably hot from 3, even by their standards.

We’re better than we were from before, but Boston is still the defending champs. We have a lot to prove before we can say we’re on their level.

[Capn'O]

I don't think you guys understand how good the Knicks can get once they develop some chemistry and settle down. It's been a lot of change in the rotation especially since OG arrived. They JUST got KAT who's their second biggest offensive player and has to protect the rim now with new teammates after not doing it for most of the past 2 years.

Time alone is going to give them a boost, that's normal. The questions is how good will they get and I don't think it's better than the Celtics. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. There probably has to be one more trade, upgrading someone (my guess is Hart plus picks) for a higher calibre player two way player at his position. That would make me feel like they can win it all.

Honestly with KAT/OG/Bridges spacing the F out of the court, Jimmy Butler might be an absolutely perfect fit if Riley would ever give him to the Knicks. They just need 32 minutes per game out of him for 2 years with decent load management, I think he's got that left in him and could push them over the top.

you gotta be real careful about trading hart. he does all the little things that help teams win and he’s the kind of the heart and soul of the squad. i think what the knicks have is enough tbh. maybe some small margin trades but there’s no need for another high profile guy like jimmy butler

Yeah, and on top of that, he's Brunson's bestie. A lot of upsetting of the apple cart with that one and I'd place the likelihood of him getting traded as close to zero.

If there's a man out of place it's Mitchell Robinson but there's also a chance he improves the team in a meaningful way when he returns.

[Capn'O]

Of course he has his best game of the season against us if not for Bridges the Spurs would have run away with that game.

Sure, and if Brunson had been on or if Wemby had been off we run away with it. Can't play that game.

[DaGawd]

That’s if they want to go in a younger route. My point is that you have to do that trade if it’s ever available. Brunson/Mikal/butler/KAT puts us in that same tier as Boston.

i think we already are with og

Forgot to add OG in there too. But I disagree, we saw how behind we are from Boston when we played them.

they played a newly put together knicks team who was getting to know each other, i for one can’t wait until the next meeting now

[3toheadmelo]

i think we already are with og

Forgot to add OG in there too. But I disagree, we saw how behind we are from Boston when we played them.

they played a newly put together knicks team who was getting to know each other, i for one can’t wait until the next meeting now

We’re definitely better now but I don’t think we’re on Boston’s level yet. So far we only beat two good teams that were at full strength (Denver and Minny).

[DaGawd]

Forgot to add OG in there too. But I disagree, we saw how behind we are from Boston when we played them.

they played a newly put together knicks team who was getting to know each other, i for one can’t wait until the next meeting now

We’re definitely better now but I don’t think we’re on Boston’s level yet. So far we only beat two good teams that were at full strength (Denver and Minny).

the knicks themselves aren’t at full strength either but yeah the premise that we still have to prove ourselves is correct, boston is still defending champs, they don’t look unbeatable tho

[3toheadmelo]

they played a newly put together knicks team who was getting to know each other, i for one can’t wait until the next meeting now

We’re definitely better now but I don’t think we’re on Boston’s level yet. So far we only beat two good teams that were at full strength (Denver and Minny).

the knicks themselves aren’t at full strength either but yeah the premise that we still have to prove ourselves is correct, boston is still defending champs, they don’t look unbeatable tho

This is probably our team at full strength. I really doubt Mitch is going to play a big role. He’s coming back like in mid February. Boston is on cruise control in the regular season. They don’t really try hard until the post season. Last year we had people saying they looked beatable too.

[Scalabrine]

I don't think you guys understand how good the Knicks can get once they develop some chemistry and settle down. It's been a lot of change in the rotation especially since OG arrived. They JUST got KAT who's their second biggest offensive player and has to protect the rim now with new teammates after not doing it for most of the past 2 years.

Time alone is going to give them a boost, that's normal. The questions is how good will they get and I don't think it's better than the Celtics. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. There probably has to be one more trade, upgrading someone (my guess is Hart plus picks) for a higher calibre player two way player at his position. That would make me feel like they can win it all.

Honestly with KAT/OG/Bridges spacing the F out of the court, Jimmy Butler might be an absolutely perfect fit if Riley would ever give him to the Knicks. They just need 32 minutes per game out of him for 2 years with decent load management, I think he's got that left in him and could push them over the top.

Hart’s not going anywhere. He’s just as important as anyone to this team.

Trading Josh Hart ain't happening. He's the engine.

The Knicks biggest weaknesses of this team statistically are offensive rebounding, defensive rating, and points allowed in the paint. Theres one guy that can really fix all of those and he's already on the team. Mitchell Robinson. I'm not expecting him to come back and play 28mpg like he used to, but if he can come back and give 15 or so MPG and eventually get his rhythm back by the playoffs, then I think thats the last big missing piece. When healthy, this is a complete 9 man rotation filled 1-9 with two way players and playmakers.

KAT(30)/Robinson(18)
OG(30)/Achiuwa(12)/KAT(6)
Hart(34)/Bridges(10)/OG(4)
Bridges(26)/McBride(22)
Brunson(36)/Payne(12)
**Shamet/Sims/Kolek/Dadiet/Hukporti/Ryan** as the bench.

[Synciere]

Bumping this up to display my Knicks bias.

[cgf]

Forgot to add OG in there too. But I disagree, we saw how behind we are from Boston when we played them.

I dunno how much to take from that one. We're already a lot better than we were then and they were unfathomably hot from 3, even by their standards.

We’re better than we were from before, but Boston is still the defending champs. We have a lot to prove before we can say we’re on their level.

Totally fair. Until somebody eliminates them they are the top threat to any would be contender. I just didn’t agree with the notion that we can’t beat them because they molly whopped us on opening night.

I know you don’t think Mitch will make a huge difference but I disagree, getting 25-27mpg of elite rim protection can’t help but improve our defense…while also making us one of the more dangerous offensive rebounding teams in the league again.

Plus who knows what other moves the FO will make, we still have a bunch of SRPs, that conditional WSH FRP, and Dadiet to dangle. Also, in February we’ll be able to afford another vet min guy who could help keep the core fresh through the regular season.

[cgf]

I don't think you guys understand how good the Knicks can get once they develop some chemistry and settle down. It's been a lot of change in the rotation especially since OG arrived. They JUST got KAT who's their second biggest offensive player and has to protect the rim now with new teammates after not doing it for most of the past 2 years.

Time alone is going to give them a boost, that's normal. The questions is how good will they get and I don't think it's better than the Celtics. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. There probably has to be one more trade, upgrading someone (my guess is Hart plus picks) for a higher calibre player two way player at his position. That would make me feel like they can win it all.

Honestly with KAT/OG/Bridges spacing the F out of the court, Jimmy Butler might be an absolutely perfect fit if Riley would ever give him to the Knicks. They just need 32 minutes per game out of him for 2 years with decent load management, I think he's got that left in him and could push them over the top.

Hart’s not going anywhere. He’s just as important as anyone to this team.

Trading Josh Hart ain't happening. He's the engine.

The Knicks biggest weaknesses of this team statistically are offensive rebounding, defensive rating, and points allowed in the paint. Theres one guy that can really fix all of those and he's already on the team. Mitchell Robinson. I'm not expecting him to come back and play 28mpg like he used to, but if he can come back and give 15 or so MPG and eventually get his rhythm back by the playoffs, then I think thats the last big missing piece. When healthy, this is a complete 9 man rotation filled 1-9 with two way players and playmakers.

KAT(30)/Robinson(18)
OG(30)/Achiuwa(12)/KAT(6)
Hart(34)/Bridges(10)/OG(4)
Bridges(26)/McBride(22)
Brunson(36)/Payne(12)
**Shamet/Sims/Kolek/Dadiet/Hukporti/Ryan** as the bench.

Thibs is a pragmatist, but I can’t see him playing Mitch less than 24mpg once he’s back to 100%. Come playoff time I’m expecting Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, Towns & Brunson to be in the mid 30s; McBride & Robinson to be in the mid 20s; with Precious & Payne getting the Obi-shift of 12-18mpg.

[benhillboy]

Hart’s not going anywhere. He’s just as important as anyone to this team.

Trading Josh Hart ain't happening. He's the engine.

The Knicks biggest weaknesses of this team statistically are offensive rebounding, defensive rating, and points allowed in the paint. Theres one guy that can really fix all of those and he's already on the team. Mitchell Robinson. I'm not expecting him to come back and play 28mpg like he used to, but if he can come back and give 15 or so MPG and eventually get his rhythm back by the playoffs, then I think thats the last big missing piece. When healthy, this is a complete 9 man rotation filled 1-9 with two way players and playmakers.

KAT(30)/Robinson(18)
OG(30)/Achiuwa(12)/KAT(6)
Hart(34)/Bridges(10)/OG(4)
Bridges(26)/McBride(22)
Brunson(36)/Payne(12)
**Shamet/Sims/Kolek/Dadiet/Hukporti/Ryan** as the bench.

Thibs is a pragmatist, but I can’t see him playing Mitch less than 24mpg once he’s back to 100%. Come playoff time I’m expecting Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, Towns & Brunson to be in the mid 30s; McBride & Robinson to be in the mid 20s; with Precious & Payne getting the Obi-shift of 12-18mpg.

Go look at Precious and Cameron’s career playoff stats. I don’t think they’re playable. Hell, I know they aren’t.

[benhillboy]

Am I looking at Bridge’s career stats right? It looks like he still hasn’t missed a game in his career. He doesn’t get a fraction of the credit he deserves for being his era’s Iron Man, especially as a wing-stopper converted to a two-way featured option. Remarkable conditioning, and luck knock on wood.

[cgf]

Trading Josh Hart ain't happening. He's the engine.

The Knicks biggest weaknesses of this team statistically are offensive rebounding, defensive rating, and points allowed in the paint. Theres one guy that can really fix all of those and he's already on the team. Mitchell Robinson. I'm not expecting him to come back and play 28mpg like he used to, but if he can come back and give 15 or so MPG and eventually get his rhythm back by the playoffs, then I think thats the last big missing piece. When healthy, this is a complete 9 man rotation filled 1-9 with two way players and playmakers.

KAT(30)/Robinson(18)
OG(30)/Achiuwa(12)/KAT(6)
Hart(34)/Bridges(10)/OG(4)
Bridges(26)/McBride(22)
Brunson(36)/Payne(12)
**Shamet/Sims/Kolek/Dadiet/Hukporti/Ryan** as the bench.

Thibs is a pragmatist, but I can’t see him playing Mitch less than 24mpg once he’s back to 100%. Come playoff time I’m expecting Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, Towns & Brunson to be in the mid 30s; McBride & Robinson to be in the mid 20s; with Precious & Payne getting the Obi-shift of 12-18mpg.

Go look at Precious and Cameron’s career playoff stats. I don’t think they’re playable. Hell, I know they aren’t.

They were last year Precious gave us good minutes after Joel injured Mitch for shutting him down, and Payne was arguably the 6ers most impressive roleplayer in that series...it was between Payne, Oubre, and Lowry's ghost.

But if Payne does end up unplayable, Shamet could take his minutes with Deuce sliding over to the 1 when Brunson rests. As Shamet has been making all of the chippy plays to endear himself to Thibs.

Am I looking at Bridge’s career stats right? It looks like he still hasn’t missed a game in his career. He doesn’t get a fraction of the credit he deserves for being his era’s Iron Man, especially as a wing-stopper converted to a two-way featured option. Remarkable conditioning, and luck knock on wood.

You're reading that right. The year he got traded to Brooklyn he even ended up playing 83 games.

[benhillboy]

Thibs is a pragmatist, but I can’t see him playing Mitch less than 24mpg once he’s back to 100%. Come playoff time I’m expecting Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, Towns & Brunson to be in the mid 30s; McBride & Robinson to be in the mid 20s; with Precious & Payne getting the Obi-shift of 12-18mpg.

Go look at Precious and Cameron’s career playoff stats. I don’t think they’re playable. Hell, I know they aren’t.

They were last year Precious gave us good minutes after Joel injured Mitch for shutting him down, and Payne was arguably the 6ers most impressive roleplayer in that series...it was between Payne, Oubre, and Lowry's ghost.

But if Payne does end up unplayable, Shamet could take his minutes with Deuce sliding over to the 1 when Brunson rests. As Shamet has been making all of the chippy plays to endear himself to Thibs.

Am I looking at Bridge’s career stats right? It looks like he still hasn’t missed a game in his career. He doesn’t get a fraction of the credit he deserves for being his era’s Iron Man, especially as a wing-stopper converted to a two-way featured option. Remarkable conditioning, and luck knock on wood.

You're reading that right. The year he got traded to Brooklyn he even ended up playing 83 games.

Yeah I peeped that too. Insane.

[Scalabrine]

Trading Josh Hart ain't happening. He's the engine.

The Knicks biggest weaknesses of this team statistically are offensive rebounding, defensive rating, and points allowed in the paint. Theres one guy that can really fix all of those and he's already on the team. Mitchell Robinson. I'm not expecting him to come back and play 28mpg like he used to, but if he can come back and give 15 or so MPG and eventually get his rhythm back by the playoffs, then I think thats the last big missing piece. When healthy, this is a complete 9 man rotation filled 1-9 with two way players and playmakers.

KAT(30)/Robinson(18)
OG(30)/Achiuwa(12)/KAT(6)
Hart(34)/Bridges(10)/OG(4)
Bridges(26)/McBride(22)
Brunson(36)/Payne(12)
**Shamet/Sims/Kolek/Dadiet/Hukporti/Ryan** as the bench.

Thibs is a pragmatist, but I can’t see him playing Mitch less than 24mpg once he’s back to 100%. Come playoff time I’m expecting Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, Towns & Brunson to be in the mid 30s; McBride & Robinson to be in the mid 20s; with Precious & Payne getting the Obi-shift of 12-18mpg.

Go look at Precious and Cameron’s career playoff stats. I don’t think they’re playable. Hell, I know they aren’t.

In reality, you're right. Realistically, this is probably gonna be something that happens next off-season. There just isn't enough flexibility with this current team. Maybe if Mitch comes back this season, proves he's still an above average starting center, and we can move him for multiple parts, or we add a few vet min/mMLE guys.

In the meantime, McBride and Robinson are above average bench players but it feels like we need more. I think The Big Sneeze is good enough to be a 9th man on this team, but Payne and Shamet are not rotation players come playoff time. Fine as 10th or 11th guys. We need Dadiet or Kolek to step up or we need to hit on a buy-out guy to ideally be the 8th man.

It takes time to build a real championship contender. Anyone who was expecting this to just happen in year 1 wasn't being realistic. It was too big of a shake up. We're a great team. We're a fun team. We can make some noise if things shake out right and we stay healthy. But it's gonna take at least another off-season to build out the team and develop some guys. This starting 5 is good enough to do it though!

[cgf]

Thibs is a pragmatist, but I can’t see him playing Mitch less than 24mpg once he’s back to 100%. Come playoff time I’m expecting Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, Towns & Brunson to be in the mid 30s; McBride & Robinson to be in the mid 20s; with Precious & Payne getting the Obi-shift of 12-18mpg.

Go look at Precious and Cameron’s career playoff stats. I don’t think they’re playable. Hell, I know they aren’t.

In reality, you're right. Realistically, this is probably gonna be something that happens next off-season. There just isn't enough flexibility with this current team. Maybe if Mitch comes back this season, proves he's still an above average starting center, and we can move him for multiple parts, or we add a few vet min/mMLE guys.

In the meantime, McBride and Robinson are above average bench players but it feels like we need more. I think The Big Sneeze is good enough to be a 9th man on this team, but Payne and Shamet are not rotation players come playoff time. Fine as 10th or 11th guys. We need Dadiet or Kolek to step up or we need to hit on a buy-out guy to ideally be the 8th man.

It takes time to build a real championship contender. Anyone who was expecting this to just happen in year 1 wasn't being realistic. It was too big of a shake up. We're a great team. We're a fun team. We can make some noise if things shake out right and we stay healthy. But it's gonna take at least another off-season to build out the team and develop some guys. This starting 5 is good enough to do it though!

Sucks that OKC / CLE / BOS are as loaded as they are, but only lacking an 8th man while having a strong top 7 (when healthy) and a few fringe rotation guys (Achiuwa / Payne / Shamet); isn't a bad place to be, as long as that lack of depth doesn't leave us limping into the playoffs...even if we don't luck into someone like Jae'Sean Tate as a buyout.

That said, to make sure we don't hit the playoffs shorthanded & exhausted, Thibs will need to start giving blended units more minutes in the regular season...despite some of these guys being destined to fall out of the rotation by the postseason unless they shoot extraordinarily well down the stretch:

Brunson - McBride* - Bridges* - Anunoby* - Robinson
Payne/McBride - Shamet* - Hart* - Achiuwa - Towns

And I'm not sure that Precious is meaningfully better than Payne...at least if Cam plays as well as he did for Philly; which of course is far from a given...both are fringe rotation guys who should be getting the Obi-shift (14-18mpg) at most when we're healthy.

Kolek or Dadiet turning into legit players would be huge, but I don't expect either one to be ready by this spring...though I wouldn't be shocked if one of them did make a big leap over the second half of the season to claim a regular gig, I think it's very unlikely; despite Kolek's craftiness and Dadiet's surprisingly sound defensive instincts.