TLDR: Minor Changes But Let the Team Develop.
The playoffs were a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I think ending with a loss to Miami feels worse because they came in lower seeded. But to be fair, they had the higher from pundit expectations all season. That's a veteran squad which brought a different level of intensity than we were used to. That said, I am not looking to blow this team up and start over. I want to be a young veteran squad next year. That said this team has things to work on.
Brunson - On offense, Brunson showed himself as a scorer that could get to his spot and take a quality shot. Averaging 24 points and 6 assists with 41% from 3, his offensive game is elite. It only gets better if he gets surrounded by shooters. On defense, he showed good IQ in his positioning but being slightly undersized, he tend to get the softer defensive assignments (stand next to the 3&D). I think it is safe to assume that a guy like Hart helps cover Brunson's defensive burdens and that any future additions at wing should have this in mind. I don't see there being an upgrade and dollar for dollar, I don't think we can do better. I think he can increase his assists, but some of that involves the Knicks shooting woes being solved.
Grimes Showed flashes of brilliance between moments of deer in headlights. His defense and shooting will keep him on the floor. He also is slightly undersized at SG. But has a quick first step that he uses on both offense and defense. Handles the ball well when moving but has a tendency to pick up the ball when pressed. Needs to work on that decision-making but may not have the size to pass the ball over defenders when pressed. This hurt in late game situations where he froze with the ball in hand. Needs to be aware of the timeouts and needs to work angles and pivots to find an exit pass - something Brunson does exceedingly well. While his upside and value are undeniable on the rookie scale contract, given the size deficiency we are giving up at PG, upgrading the starting SG to a longer 3&D shouldn't be dismissed. I would not trade Grimes however. He is still effective in both a starting or reserve role. The Knicks need more shooting and he brings it.
Barrett Barrett is by far the most erratic player we have. One day he looks like Kobe's Canadian cousin. The next day he can't hit a brick wall with a fire hose from 5 feet away. Drilling down, I don't think that he and Randle co-exist that well. I make thoughtful arguments that he bulked up too much and is not able to finish effectively and that like Mitch Robinson, the summer of conditioning after bulking up will put him back on track. I tend to believe this. And I am willing to see what happens next year. But he is not keeping his head up, is playing with his back to the basket even when 20 feet from the hoop which demonstrates that he has no confidence in his handling. I suggest he could thrive in a team where the team is spread more, but he is not a guy that spreads the floor. I want to re-look at the "Kobe" assist element when analyzing his eFG, but for all intents and purposes, his efficiency is below average and the team would generally be better off with someone else taking his shots. He challenged that concept in the Playoffs against the Heat where he made a strong showing. That Barrett lacked a little bit on defense but performed admirably on offense. My general sense is that I want to see what he looks like with a summer of conditioning, but if he was the key cog in a trade for a more traditional 3&D (Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby), I don't think we would be in a position to say no.
Randle I am not trading Randle UNLESS its for an elite big. He does have shortcomings. Mostly its that he is trying to do too much. But the Randle that puts the ball on the floor, can give 40+ minutes when needed, can body players and is making better decisions with the ball is the guy I want. I think that a perimeter Center could benefit him, if he is willing to work on the block and box out. Much like Giannis and Brook Lopez, I think think Randle would be better suited to having a Center at the top of the key. I think Randle's efficiency goes down the more he dribbles. I think he has the capacity to make faster decisions with the ball but lacks the trust in his teammates to make the shot if he gives up the ball. That could also be read that he lacks the trust that they will take the shot if he gives up the ball, with the team giving up the ball on shot clock violations way too much in the playoffs. I'd like to see how Randle does as the second option when surrounded by shooters on the wings and pulling the Center out of the post.
Robinson Let's be clear, no one should be asking Robinson to change. He is an athletic defensive big with buttery hands. His ability to get offensive rebounds changes games. He finishes strong off lobs, but gets lost if he has to put the ball on the floor and can't shoot a lick. If he didn't have box out responsibilities, I would expect him to be closer to Ty Chandler in terms of rebounds. His defensive presence is his prime value and I think he was overlooked dramatically because the rest of the of the team's defense was decidedly mediocre this year. The only place I look to upgrade with Mitch is if I can keep a strong defensive presence while adding offense. Having Mitch on the floor allows teams to stack the box and gives teams a chance to Hack A Mitch in crunch time. Its a liability, but I don't think you can reasonably expect Mitch to change. Hope he proves me wrong.
Quickley Glad he was nominated for 6MOY. He is a guy that seems just about ready to put it all together. Then he disappeared in the playoffs. I'd like to see him get some more consistency in his shot. I don't think he gets their with his slightly unorthodox shooting form. His wingspan compared to his height is one proof of my attachment to biometrics. He affects passing lanes and has the length to pass over defenders that "taller" players may not have. I am exercising his option this year and probably trying my luck with him as an RFA. I don't think you can commit the 20mm+ to him that some posters think he deserves. Especially after that disappearing act in the playoffs. I have him at 4 years $56mm right now. I don't think he really breaks that on the open market. But that's why restricted free agency exists. To let the market prove team's wrong.
Hart He is like a functional version of Theo Pinson. He affects the court in many ways and really protects Brunson. I love his effort and his role. Super role player. Superior teammate. It would be beneficial if he would opt in for this year and then get extended in August. I hope that he is comfortable enough with the team to work that out.
Hartenstein What a solid backup center. His Plus Minus was special. I think his 3 point prowess was over stated and I think his passing is there, but he takes too many risks. I like envisioning him as a bit of a Jokic-lite. I think he has some real upside still and with some skill training could be challenging for the starting role. As is, I like the offense/defense switch between him and Robinson. Good signing and hoping we can build on this.
Toppin I think Toppin is a solid rotation player in this league but the Knicks aren't really going to unlock his potential in their play style. He performs better in longer minutes and has the ability to score in bunches from inside and outside, but doesn't really do well if he has to handle the ball. Catch and Shoot. Catch and Dunk. He makes bad decisions with the ball otherwise. Leaves his feet to make passes. But next to a LaMelo or someone like that, he can be an elite finisher with the ability to shoot 35% plus from 3. His stiff hips won't allow him to be a defensive force, but his long arms will allow him to be effective on help defense. He can cover a lot of distance with his length and leap. Just don't expect him to stay in front of his man. I likely see him getting packaged to a team that can better utilize his strengths.
McBride He needs more polish on offense. He man defense is elite. His offense needs to get unlocked. Something Brunson can help him with. I think this guy has incredible upside. He's a keeper.
Rose Gotta decline the option unless they think the contract is good trade filler. I love having Rose around but he's out of the rotation. I don't know how you replace his veteran presence.
Fournier Au revoir. This is the primary expiring contract I would use to add another rotation player. Fournier plus Picks = X.
Thibodeau I don't see us changing coaches. Knicks outperformed expectations. Coach gets credit.
Johnny Bryant In my head, this guy is the one making the tweak changes. I love him. I hope they have him locked up long term.
