Would this trade make sense for the New York Knicks?
The New York Knicks need players who are going to bring a hard nosed on-ball defensive impact within the half-court. It’s clear that’s the style of player coach Tom Thibodeau favors, particularly when guarding the point of attack at the point guard position.
As is the case with Kemba Walker, there are certainly flaws that come with Eric Bledsoe. He sorely struggles to score efficiency out of high ball screens large in part due to his inefficient pull-up shooting ability — significantly contrasting from Kemba Walker.
The Knicks have made the determination that having Walker’s skill-set does not outweigh his defensive limitations, however. Bledsoe isn’t the defender he once was, but he’s an upgrade over Walker in that department, to say the least.
Bledsoe has at least been able to convert on open catch-and-shoot looks. He could take a low usage role in the Knicks’ offense and allow key players like Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and others to shoulder the initiation load.
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Bledsoe’s burst enables him to be a real threat attacking off the catch to get downhill, which is where the foundation of his offensive impact could begin. As long as his catch-and-shoot attempts are falling to keep the defense honest, of course.
