Why The New York Knicks Do This Trade
Acquiring a point guard that has some shortcomings as a playmaker seems like an odd player to target, but the New York Knicks roster is constructed in a way that would highlight Collin Sexton’s positives. Sexton fits what New York is looking for as he is a point guard that can score and create his own shot.
Tom Thibodeau’s offensive attack is predicated on having a point guard that can get downhill. Sexton attacks the rim aggressively, as 27.3 percent of his shot attempts came at the rim during the 2020-21 season.
Unlike Elfrid Payton, New York’s starter from last season, Sexton makes teams pay when they foul him as he is an 83.1 percent foul shooter in his career. You also cannot leave him open around the 3-point line as teams did with Payton, as Sexton is a 38.5 percent shooter from the 3-point line.
RJ Barrett and Julius Randle need some help carrying the scoring load and Sexton will help them do that. While he isn’t the greatest playmaker, Barrett and Randle both excel in that area, so they will help offset his shortcomings there.
READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors Lillard, Simmons Sexton, and More
If Thibodeau can get Sexton to focus some of his raw energy and athleticism into the defensive end, the Knicks will have quite a player on their hands.
