Chanel Bomber wrote:Deeeez Knicks wrote:Chanel Bomber wrote:Kemba is the most glaring issue. It can be fixed without a roster overhaul. It needs to be.
The deeper, more meaningful problem is the Randle-RJ tandem.
Randle is not efficient enough to be a star player for this team, let alone the face of the franchise. RJ is not efficient enough for a role player.
So the Knicks actually have to rely on other players to score efficiently: average to bad starters (Fournier, Kemba) and the bench.
That's why the stats unequivocally show that the bench has been carrying this team since last year. The starting line-up is just average, it doesn't make much difference against its competition on average. Our bench led by Rose is what really wins us these games most of the time.
The Knicks will not contend in the East with Randle-RJ in the starting 5. They're too inefficient together. Leon Rose has to make a big trade, or this team will be just another treadmill Eastern Conference team. This is what we are at the moment.
The Knicks bench is normally good, but to be fair we had a 6 point lead going into the 4th and the Magic were up by 6 when the starters came back. The bench played really bad in that stretch.
The starters outside of Mitch didnt play great either so not putting it all on the bench. This one seemed like a team effort in the loss
You're right about yesterday. I was saying big picture.
Yea, Kemba is a concern right now along with the general fit. A lot of guys need the ball and our defense may take a step back. Kemba did hit some shots and make some plays (some pnrs, Mitch oop), but overall it has looked off. We probably do need to give it some time for everything to gel together. Seems like players are feeling it all out...figuring out when to step up or when to take a back seat.
RJ can still be a key ingredient with the starters. He is a player that does a little bit of everything and that is probably the type of player we need in this starting lineup.
If we are looking at maximizing this roster I think we will need Kemba to find his place. He is not the same player, but also not totally done. If he could give us 20-24 good min a game it would make a big difference so I think we gotta let it ride for now and hope he figures it out.
Agree we are still not a contender unless we pull off a big move. Seems like we are biding our time and waiting for the right move which is fine.