It is no secret what the New York Knicks are in the market for this NBA offseason. They desperately need to improve their situation at point guard and they are searching out every avenue they can to make the upgrade.
They have been linked to Jalen Brunson, but it is fair to question how realistic of an option that is since they do not have the cap space to sign him outright. With the Dallas Mavericks reportedly being unwilling to help facilitate a deal via sign-and-trade, it sounds unlikely that Brunson will join his father, Rick Brunson who was hired as an assistant coach, in New York.
Another player that has been linked to the Knicks is Indiana Pacers guard, Malcolm Brogdon. Some people believe Brogdon’s versatile, two-way skill set is something that the Knicks can benefit from.
Brogdon can operate as the lead facilitator or play off the ball as a spot-up shooter. Defensively, he can defend multiple positions, as he can handle both backcourt spots and some wings with his 6’11” wingspan.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon Remains Backup Plan For New York Knicks
However, one former NBA executive believes that New York should steer clear of the Indiana guard. They recently shared their opinion on Brogdon to NBA Analysis Network.
“Brogdon is a solid player but the Knicks should aim higher. The injury history is a bit unsettling. His shooting mechanics are awkward and limit what he can do as an initiator. He seems to be at his best playing next to star talent that can draw two defenders in a spaced-out offense. Randle likes getting touches at the elbow and around the nail, Barrett is at his best getting downhill, and they’ve often had a dunker spot big. That doesn’t seem like a great recipe for success.”
The injury history is the biggest red flag for the Knicks to take into consideration. They experienced the struggles that they did last season in large part because of injuries, as Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose combined to play in 63 games. Brogdon has missed at least 16 games in five consecutive seasons, including 46 last season.
Brogdon’s 3-point shooting would be a welcomed addition to the mix for the Knicks, as he and Evan Fournier should provide more than enough spacing for RJ Barrett and Julius Randle to operate. Tom Thibodeau’s insistence on having a player occupy the dunk spot, as every center the Knicks deploy outside of Taj Gibson doesn’t make much of an impact outside the paint, is more of a sticky issue than finding a way for Brogdon to fit and succeed in the offense.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon Remains Backup Plan For New York Knicks
What it really comes down to for the New York Knicks is price. If he comes at a discount, New York should strongly consider it. But, if Indiana is holding out for multiple draft picks or young players, the Knicks should be looking elsewhere to fill their point guard void.
Other options could include Monte Morris of the Denver Nuggets as a trade target and Tyus Jones of the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent.
