Why the Trade Benefits the New York Knicks

A veteran point guard is like having a coach on the floor. For a rebuilding team with young players like the New York Knicks, this would go a long way. This is not to say that Eric Bledsoe is the missing piece that will bring the Knicks to the postseason but he would be a complete upgrade from what they have right now. New York is a long way from postseason opportunities but the younger players need to learn to lead.

Coming into the NBA season, the Knicks have featured Elfrid Payton and Dennis Smith Jr. at point guard. Both have been huge disappointments during their time in New York. Frank Ntilikina has been buried on the bench early on and rightfully so.

Rookie Immanuel Quickley has looked like the best point guard on the roster but in typical Knicks’ fashion, he is missing time with an injury. It says a lot about a team when a rookie with just 12 minutes played is the best point guard on the roster. It is safe to say that the Knicks could use some help and Bledsoe is one of the best names they could get at this point of the season.

New York has drafted players like RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson in recent years. Many felt they should have gone with Tyrese Haliburton over Toppin because of their need at point guard but the Knicks were just looking to take the best player available. There will be chances to add a point guard moving forward, whether in a trade or through free agency.