The New York Knicks were one of the most efficient offensive teams in the NBA during the 2022-23 season. But, they did it unorthodoxly, relying on overwhelming opponents in the paint with elite offensive rebounding numbers, creating second-chance points.
In their isolation-heavy system relying on Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, it is what worked. Ranking third in offensive rating while finishing the season 19th in 3-point shooting percentage, 18th in 2-point percentage and 20th overall is quite an impressive feat.
It is also one that will be extremely difficult to replicate, which they have found out the hard way. Through five games this season, the Knicks are still hitting the offensive glass as Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein have been dominant in that regard. But the team is 26th in offensive rating as nothing is coming easy on that end of the court.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Evan Fournier, Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks Updates
If not for an elite defensive effort, the Knicks could easily be 1-4 or 0-5 to start the season. They are currently the worst shooting team in the NBA, making only 40 percent of their attempts, shooting 33.9 percent on 3-pointers and 44.2 percent on twos. Their 69.3 percent from the foul line isn’t helping either.
This is a roster desperate for some shooting, which Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes they can find in the form of Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers. Hield has been on the trade block seemingly his whole NBA career. Now on an expiring contract, he is one of the likelier players in the league to be on the move.
“While the Knicks aren’t hurting for wing depth, they could clear a not insignificant amount of floor time for Hield. He might be a one-note contributor, but he possesses an elite skill that simplifies things for everyone else around him. Defenses have to account for him every second he’s on the floor, meaning Randle, Barrett and Jalen Brunson would all have more room to attack.
If the Pacers don’t plan on paying Hield next summer, then the time to move him is now. This might be their only option of squeezing out a first-round pick, and since their franchise face, Tyrese Haliburton, is only 23 years old, they should have the patience to keep this pick and see if it becomes someone who can join the long-term nucleus. (If they don’t, they could always flip it for more immediate assistance.)”
What could a trade between New York and Indiana look like? Buckley suggested the Knicks send Evan Fournier and a first-round pick via the Dallas Mavericks (top-10 protected) in exchange for Hield.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Evan Fournier, Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks Updates
Finding a spot in the Knicks’ rotation for Hield is easier said than done. They are already overloaded on the wing, as Josh Hart and RJ Barrett are masquerading as the team’s backup power forward. But, there is no denying that Hield would be a major upgrade for the team with his elite 3-point shooting.
It is fair to question whether or not this is something the Knicks would pursue. Trading Fournier would make it difficult for the team to pull off a blockbuster during the season as his contract is perfect for money-matching purposes, just as it would be used to acquire Hield in this scenario.
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