Why The New York Knicks Do This Deal

Two words: rim protection.

The New York Knicks actually didn’t suffer on defense in 2021-22. Their 110.2 Defensive Rating ranked 11th in the league. Nonetheless, rest assured that Thibs wishes it had been better.

With Rudy Gobert, it inevitably will be. He’s a 3x Defensive Player of the Year, and for good reason. He virtually guarantees any defense a top 10 finish, and he guarantees a top 10 defense an even higher one.

Some will make the case that the Knicks should be rebuilding. Acquiring an expensive defensive specialist when they’re so far from contention could be seen as a misallocation of resources.

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Still, there’s merit in competing, particularly for a big market team like the Knicks. If they return to the playoffs behind Gobert’s defense next season, they could attract a major free agent during any given offseason.

If the front office agrees, then this deal might be a no-brainer for the organization.