Official NBA General Discussion 2025-26 V1.0

[Los_29]

So having 2 great defensive guards like White and Jrue was overkill a year ago? OKC was wrong to get Caruso when they already had Dort?

I think he was also referring to the fact they can all handle the ball. Bridges and especially OG aren’t reliable ball handlers. Dort isn’t a great ball handler but he’s the only guy and he’s not making 45 million a year.

Yeah when he bring salary into it that's a different discussion. Without a trade, I think benching making Hart 6th man and playing Bridges at 2 might work. Bridges isn't that bad a secondary ballhandler. Otherwise they need a big combo guard who can play D and let Brunson go off ball more. They missed DDV in that way, especially since he set the franchise record for made threes last season.

We all saw how Fred was best playing in a two guard lineup with Kyle. Brunson has a much better scoring bag but could still benefit from a backcourt mate who can run the offense better. And then you get into the idea of, could a different coach bring a more creative ball sharing offense, with fewer isos, and change the offensive chemistry that way.

Is it Thibs or the personnel? Offensively the Knicks just don’t have many dynamic offensive players. I actually agree that it’s a bit redundant with Hart, Bridges and OG all out there. Hart is the guy to go. Do you think McBride can start? When I did watch the Knicks, I liked what I saw from him. Although not sure him and Brunson would work given neither of them are talented distributors and not sure if McBride can play off ball. Either way, Towns is the real problem. He was dreadful defensively. I’m trying to remember the person on here who claimed he was a great rim protector but Gobert was taking away his blocks.

And really, no reason to panic. They were in the ECF and beat the defending champs fair and square. Had a 3-1 lead before Tatum’s injury.

[WaltFrazier]

I think he was also referring to the fact they can all handle the ball. Bridges and especially OG aren’t reliable ball handlers. Dort isn’t a great ball handler but he’s the only guy and he’s not making 45 million a year.

Yeah when he bring salary into it that's a different discussion. Without a trade, I think benching making Hart 6th man and playing Bridges at 2 might work. Bridges isn't that bad a secondary ballhandler. Otherwise they need a big combo guard who can play D and let Brunson go off ball more. They missed DDV in that way, especially since he set the franchise record for made threes last season.

We all saw how Fred was best playing in a two guard lineup with Kyle. Brunson has a much better scoring bag but could still benefit from a backcourt mate who can run the offense better. And then you get into the idea of, could a different coach bring a more creative ball sharing offense, with fewer isos, and change the offensive chemistry that way.

Is it Thibs or the personnel? Offensively the Knicks just don’t have many dynamic offensive players. I actually agree that it’s a bit redundant with Hart, Bridges and OG all out there. Hart is the guy to go. Do you think McBride can start? When I did watch the Knicks, I liked what I saw from him. Although not sure him and Brunson would work given neither of them are talented distributors and not sure if McBride can play off ball. Either way, Towns is the real problem. He was dreadful defensively. I’m trying to remember the person on here who claimed he was a great rim protector but Gobert was taking away his blocks.

And really, no reason to panic. They were in the ECF and beat the defending champs fair and square. Had a 3-1 lead before Tatum’s injury.

Probably not the time to panic or do a major move, I agree.

I just read a stat that Kat had 1 block in the series, the lowest ever for a C who played 200 minutes in a conference final, or something like that. But maybe Robinson took away some blocks

If they could combine the strengths only, of Delon McBride Payne and Shamet into one 6'5 body, ie Delon's, that would be the guard partner for Brunson. The real life equal of that is hard to get I'm sure.

[MiamiSPX]

Apparently Brunson wants everyone back, so that means no significant changes, considering he, his Dad and godafther run that team.

[WuTang_CMB]

Knicks made their bed with that awful Bridges deal
Losers

[WaltFrazier]

Apparently Brunson wants everyone back, so that means no significant changes, considering he, his Dad and godafther run that team.

I think Brunson was surprised when Nova buddy DDV was traded, so not sure he runs everything. He was sending a message though I guess.

Thibs job is probably safe by beating Boston, but if they decided to make a change there then the status of Rick Brunson would really be interesting.

[Pointgod]

Apparently Brunson wants everyone back, so that means no significant changes, considering he, his Dad and godafther run that team.

Makes sense. This team knocked off the defending champs and were in the ECF their first season together. Wholesale changes would be stupid at this point.

[NinjaBro]

You know as much as I hated Nurse, I think the only other coach that I would hate more coaching our team would be Thibs. Must be frustrating for knicks fans.

[sidsid]

You know as much as I hated Nurse, I think the only other coach that I would hate more coaching our team would be Thibs. Must be frustrating for knicks fans.

They are almost identical, to the point that there was no daylight between the approach to our post Lowry team to this Knicks team. Right down to them being forced to play benches/lineups they never played all regular season in a playoff matchup (Nurse because of the FVV/Trent injuries in the Philly series, Thibs because of endless media scrutiny) and they started winning games because of it.

But Nurse was an assistant for the bench mob year while I've never seen Thibs coach any offense, so he's the king of stubbornness.

[sidsid]

Apparently Brunson wants everyone back, so that means no significant changes, considering he, his Dad and godafther run that team.

Makes sense. This team knocked off the defending champs and were in the ECF their first season together. Wholesale changes would be stupid at this point.

Like the Cavs, the Knicks have something that clearly isn't working and was exposed in the playoffs.

Cavs it's the Garland/Mitchell and/or Mobley/Allen combo. Knicks it's the KAT/Brunson combo.

How much money do you want to spend on guys who can't share the floor together if you want to play optimality?

Neither team can make wholesale changes because they've sunk everything into their core units. It's picking which pieces that don't fit and moving them for something that does.

[tsherkin]

Apparently Brunson wants everyone back, so that means no significant changes, considering he, his Dad and godafther run that team.

Makes sense. This team knocked off the defending champs and were in the ECF their first season together. Wholesale changes would be stupid at this point.

Like the Cavs, the Knicks have something that clearly isn't working and was exposed in the playoffs.

Cavs it's the Garland/Mitchell and/or Mobley/Allen combo. Knicks it's the KAT/Brunson combo.

How much money do you want to spend on guys who can't share the floor together if you want to play optimality?

Neither team can make wholesale changes because they've sunk everything into their core units. It's picking which pieces that don't fit and moving them for something that does.

How much do you want to take a really successful team and screw with it instead of milking it for years of success, unless there's a REALLY good option on the table which could help change the deal?

[sidsid]

Makes sense. This team knocked off the defending champs and were in the ECF their first season together. Wholesale changes would be stupid at this point.

Like the Cavs, the Knicks have something that clearly isn't working and was exposed in the playoffs.

Cavs it's the Garland/Mitchell and/or Mobley/Allen combo. Knicks it's the KAT/Brunson combo.

How much money do you want to spend on guys who can't share the floor together if you want to play optimality?

Neither team can make wholesale changes because they've sunk everything into their core units. It's picking which pieces that don't fit and moving them for something that does.

How much do you want to take a really successful team and screw with it instead of milking it for years of success, unless there's a REALLY good option on the table which could help change the deal?

The Randle/Donte team was pretty good and likely had the same ceiling. An improbable win against the Celtics included. Completely different identities, but revolving around the same guy.

I think what the Knicks have learned is the limits of Brunson, who took a relative discount so you're likely pot commited there. The KAT contract slot seems pretty fungible considering his glaring playoff flaws. We're also seeing the locker room issues his lack of D is causing.

All things considered, Zion/KO and some picks trade so you can do follow-up moves is the type of risk a team with not many options, but a strong enough floor in the weak east can look at with the clear ceiling of today's team, as an example.

[tsherkin]

The Randle/Donte team was pretty good and likely had the same ceiling. An improbable win against the Celtics included. Completely different identities, but revolving around the same guy.

Maybe. Maybe not.

I think what the Knicks have learned is the limits of Brunson,

Yup. He has defensive issues, he isn't an ATG playmaker and he has his weaknesses as a scorer (although that definitely didn't cost them against the Pacers, heh).

All things considered, Zion/KO and some picks trade so you can do follow-up moves is the type of risk a team with not many options, but a strong enough floor in the weak east can look at with the clear ceiling of today's team, as an example.

Relying on Zion seems a poor idea, though I suppose that depends on the cost. I have zero faith he can stay heathy enough and out of trouble enough to get things done with the Knicks, though.

[Brinbe]

Bridges and Hart are probably there long-term. It is Brunson's team and they will triple down on the Nova Knicks thing.

If they do continue to fail in future playoffs they have Thibs and KAT as fall-guys to jettison.

The Pacers/Cavs/Knicks will be the contenders out East next season so it will be interesting to see what they all do in the off-season. The Cavs have decisions to make too, especially with that backcourt fit. The Celtics have enough talent without Tatum to be 4th-6th but don't think anyone will pretend they're a contender.

After them I think the Pistons and then Magic/Hawks will be in that next tier. Both the Magic/Hawks were decent enough and missing a key guy respectively between Suggs and Jalen Johnson and are young enough where they'll see further improvement from their young guys as a whole.

We'll possibly be somewhere in that mix too though obviously it remains to be seen just where we'll slot in if we'll be battling for sixth or more in the 8-10 range.

If Giannis does somehow stick he's good enough to drag the old Bucks to competing for a playoff spot and the Bulls/Heat will be in forever in the play-in spot as always.

The Sixers are wild card in that they probably won't be as bad as last season but no one is taking them seriously with Embiid/George in top spots.

[sidsid]

Bridges and Hart are probably there long-term. It is Brunson's team and they will triple down on the Nova Knicks thing.

If they do continue to fail in future playoffs they have Thibs and KAT as fall-guys to jettison.

The Pacers/Cavs/Knicks will be the contenders out East next season so it will be interesting to see what they all do in the off-season. The Cavs have decisions to make too, especially with that backcourt fit. The Celtics have enough talent without Tatum to be 4th-6th but don't think anyone will pretend they're a contender.

After them I think the Pistons and then Magic/Hawks will be in that next tier. Both the Magic/Hawks were decent enough and missing a key guy respectively between Suggs and Jalen Johnson and are young enough where they'll see further improvement from their young guys as a whole.

We'll possibly be somewhere in that mix too though obviously it remains to be seen just where we'll slot in if we'll be battling for sixth or more in the 8-10 range.

If Giannis does somehow stick he's good enough to drag the old Bucks to competing for a playoff spot and the Bulls/Heat will be in forever in the play-in spot as always.

The Sixers are wild card in that they probably won't be as bad as last season but no one is taking them seriously with Embiid/George in top spots.

I'm not sure we can make an assessment on the C's.

Long story short, ownership has two stretch goals of varying levels of tax reduction (up to $40M in salary shedding to get out of it entirely) with Tatum out. And only 1 team in the Nets with actual cap space. They can move a few bench pieces in exceptions if anyone wants them, but they'll likely need to move at least 2 if not 3 of Jrue/Porzingis/White to shave enough off to reset the clock on the tax.

Or trade Brown to the Nets to solve all of it.

Team could look very different considering the Jrue/Porzingis moves likely come with junk, and Brown with a lot of nothing.

[Brinbe]

Bridges and Hart are probably there long-term. It is Brunson's team and they will triple down on the Nova Knicks thing.

If they do continue to fail in future playoffs they have Thibs and KAT as fall-guys to jettison.

The Pacers/Cavs/Knicks will be the contenders out East next season so it will be interesting to see what they all do in the off-season. The Cavs have decisions to make too, especially with that backcourt fit. The Celtics have enough talent without Tatum to be 4th-6th but don't think anyone will pretend they're a contender.

After them I think the Pistons and then Magic/Hawks will be in that next tier. Both the Magic/Hawks were decent enough and missing a key guy respectively between Suggs and Jalen Johnson and are young enough where they'll see further improvement from their young guys as a whole.

We'll possibly be somewhere in that mix too though obviously it remains to be seen just where we'll slot in if we'll be battling for sixth or more in the 8-10 range.

If Giannis does somehow stick he's good enough to drag the old Bucks to competing for a playoff spot and the Bulls/Heat will be in forever in the play-in spot as always.

The Sixers are wild card in that they probably won't be as bad as last season but no one is taking them seriously with Embiid/George in top spots.

I'm not sure we can make an assessment on the C's.

Long story short, ownership has two stretch goals of varying levels of tax reduction (up to $40M in salary shedding to get out of it entirely) with Tatum out. And only 1 team in the Nets with actual cap space. They can move a few bench pieces in exceptions if anyone wants them, but they'll likely need to move at least 2 if not 3 of Jrue/Porzingis/White to shave enough off to reset the clock on the tax.

Or trade Brown to the Nets to solve all of it.

Team could look very different considering the Jrue/Porzingis moves likely come with junk, and Brown with a lot of nothing.

Even if they move them out along with Hauser, Pritchard/White/Brown are still pretty solid (Especially in the East) and will be enough to lift them enough in a weak conference. They'll recoup some positive assets in those deals. Jrue's been falling off as is and they've made due without KP for a long while anyway. Of course we don't know if Horford will be back too but he can only help as well. The question then is if Walsh/Queta/Scheierman and Tillman can hold up enough as depth (plus whatever else they end up doing at guard) and I'm inclined to think they can be.

So I think they'll still be a playoff level team next season even if they're just 1st/2nd round fodder at best. But who knows what'll happen with Tatum and if he's possibly back nex spring if they make it or if they hold off on bringing him back till the next season in 26/27.

[mihaic]

Apparently Brunson wants everyone back, so that means no significant changes, considering he, his Dad and godafther run that team.

Makes sense. This team knocked off the defending champs and were in the ECF their first season together. Wholesale changes would be stupid at this point.

Like the Cavs, the Knicks have something that clearly isn't working and was exposed in the playoffs.

Cavs it's the Garland/Mitchell and/or Mobley/Allen combo. Knicks it's the KAT/Brunson combo.

How much money do you want to spend on guys who can't share the floor together if you want to play optimality?

Neither team can make wholesale changes because they've sunk everything into their core units. It's picking which pieces that don't fit and moving them for something that does.

This is why I have no issue to trade Scottie for Giannis. They wouldn't fit.

[MiamiSPX]

Thibs fired lol

[sidsid]

Matchups for the Pacers look very similar with OKC to the Knicks (assuming IHart/Mitch starting lineups). With the Knicks having a bit more ball handling throughout their rotations, but that is offset by JDub simply finding his area within the offense compared to Mikal, and of course, the true x-factor: his size.

The Knicks exposed the vulnerability on the perimeter D of the Pacers when they switched the OG matchup onto Nembhard. Who then could not provide secondary playmaking and pivotally, could not defend any size. If OG could regularly bulldoze his way into the paint, the JDub matchup isn't workable (as long as he exposes it).

If they want Nesmith on SGA, that means Nembhard can only hide on Chet and bait the matchup and then crossmatch. I think what will end up happening is they just put him on SGA and live with pressure defense.

[Pointgod]

I’m calling Pacers in 7. Team of Destiny

[Zeno]

I’m calling Pacers in 7. Team of Destiny

I think they take game 1, people start believing they have a chance and then they get swept.