New York Knicks the Modern Day 2004 Pistons?

New York Knicks: The Modern Day 2004 Pistons?

The New York Knicks won the 2024 off-season. They have improved since hiring Leon Rose and World Wide Wes to run the organization. New York hired a head coach in Tom Thibodeau. He has been able to build a defensive reputation for the team. The Knicks are hustlers on the court. No longer did the Knicks go after big superstars that went nowhere. Instead, they went after Julius Randle, who could not find a home in LA or New Orleans. Along with Jalen Brunson, who did not get the extension that he wanted from the Dallas Mavericks. Since then, both have overshined. Building an incredible culture in New York. Becoming a multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA player. And the Knicks continue to hire underdogs. Josh Hart is one of the best hustle players on the court. A great defender who can guard the opposing best player and is a very good rebounder. Donte DiVincenzo bounced back from tough injuries. Being around the league for the past few seasons. Going from the Bucks to the Kings and Warriors. And the Knicks added another player to compete next season.

Mikal Bridges was one of the biggest trades this year. The Knicks had to give up a lot. Giving away four first-round picks and a pick swap. New York had to make an overhaul, but it makes sense for them to do so. NY is looking to make a jump for a championship. Bridges is a great playoff performer. A great two-way player who was a key contributor during the Suns' run in 2021. And in the Nets, he was the first option. That can benefit the Knicks a lot. At times, Mikal can take over as the second option when needed. If Julius Randle gets hurt or has a weak postseason performance, then we could see Bridges show up. This role is the most ideal for Mikal. He can go back to becoming a two-way player. He doesn't need the ball all the time. But he could be a 3-point shooter and defend the other end. Brunson is great at creating shots for others, and Randle is an underrated passer. Mikal Bridges can be a big factor in the possible success of the Knicks' season. He is expected to take a lot of pressure off of Julius Randle.

Julius Randle has been an incredible regular-season player. He is a bull in a china shop who can get to the basket with ease. Along with being a talented post-player. And a good three-point shooter. Randle is a talented scorer and a very good defender. Due to how much defensive attention Julius demands, it opens the floor for shooters. Which makes him an underrated passer. He has gotten his credit for his regular-season prowess. Making three NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA teams. But when it comes to the post-season, his play drops. Julius, in his last playoff showing, was bad. Averaging 18 points on 29 percent shooting. It was horrible to see. But with Bridges recently added, it can take the pressure away. These two are the perfect second and third options for Jalen Brunson.

Jalen Brunson made the ultimate sacrifice. Taking a 156.8 million dollar pay cut to ensure that the Knicks can compete in the future. That is a huge sacrifice for a top-15 player in the league. To make sure that New York can compete for a title for years to come. Giving the organization flexibility to re-sign key players. It will be exciting to see Brunson have another 25-plus-point season. He is special. Brunson can create his shot, finish around the basket, and make some threes. Jalen deciding to take less money is a win for New York. Which has put them in a perfect team to compete with the Celtics. With their wing depth, they can guard players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But one of the weakest parts is their big men's spot.

Losing Isaiah Hartenstein is such a huge loss. He was great for them last season and the postseason. A great rim protector and lob threat. The Knicks will miss him next season. Now, Mitchell Robinson will have a lot of pressure. He is a good rim protector. But the problem has been his health. Robinson has not been healthy throughout his career. Now, the Knicks have to hope that he remains healthy. Precious Achiuwa is in a contract year. He needs to show that he can be a good backup. There is a lot of pressure for an unproven player and a center who cannot stay healthy. This is the weakest part of the Knicks roster as compared to their wing spots.

The Knicks' wing players look strong. Guys who can match up well against the Celtics and Sixers. With OG Anunoby being one of the best and strongest defenders in the league. He was an incredible trade for the Knicks last mid-season. Earning himself a comfortable extension. OG can not only guard the best opposing guard but also hit some 3s and post up. Along with Mikal, who will look to improve their defense. Now that he has no offensive pressure. He can be a third or fourth option on any given night. He is a good three-point shooter and defender. And Donte DiVincenzo, who can bring on scoring off the bench, and Josh Hart, who can defend and get rebounds. Making the Knicks a seven-man deep team. The depth of the Knicks is incredible. Which entertains the thought of them making a Pistons like run.

Jalen Brunson is flirting with superstar status, but he is not there yet. He is a talented scorer and playmaker. A true X-factor for the Knicks team. Brunson could be the Chauncey Billups of this team. A guy who can elevate this team. He could be the Mr. Big Shot that the Knicks need in the postseason. Julius Randle could be the Rasheed Wallace of the team. A guy who can score at all levels of the floor and play some defense. OG Anunoby could be the Rip Hamilton of the team and guard the best opposing player. And Mikal Bridges could be the Tayshaun Prince of the squad. The Knicks are a team with no superstars but with All-Star-level talent. Most of these players on the team played in college together. So, chemistry will not be an issue. Leon Rose and co. saw the league landscape and adopted. There could be a possibility for this good team to win a title.

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