Why Knicks can still find room for growth with Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby

[ad_1]

The Knicks spent years in constant search of a 3-and-D wing, and while the team made its ascent to the playoffs, having perimeter players with a combination of size and length — as well as three-point shooting — always seemed to be a weakness that needed to be addressed.

Now, through two trades over the past year, the Knicks have two of those ideal wings, in Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. The tandem is vital pieces to the team’s success.

Wings with size that are also competent on both ends of the floor are expensive in the NBA, and acquiring both Bridges and Anunoby came at a hefty price. New York signed Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million contract in July after acquiring him in the middle of last season. The Knicks also sent five first-round picks and a first-round pick swap to secure the talents of Bridges.

While it cost a significant amount in young players and draft capital, the additions of Bridges and Anunoby havae generally worked. Both wings have fit in an offense built around stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Knicks have excelled this season with a 29-16 record, best for third in the Eastern Conference.

Bridges and Anunoby have both been key contributors on both ends — Bridges is third on the team in scoring and Anunoby is fourth. On defense, the two players are usually drawing the toughest assignments.

The wing combo has been a key factor in New York’s rise in the East. In the 1,366 minutes Bridges and Anunoby have shared on the floor this season, the Knicks are outscoring teams by 7.13 points per 100 possessions, according to PBP Stats. However, in spite of the positive impact Bridges and Anunoby have on the Knicks’ roster, they do have some flaws to monitor.

Bridges has defended at the point of attack more than ever in his career. At times, he’s (understandably) struggled defending some perimeter stars, such as Trae Young or Cade Cunningham, in the pick and roll. This issue has played a part in New York’s rank of 15th in defensive efficiency.

Bridges has also experienced severe highs and lows on offense. There was the 41-point explosion on Christmas against the San Antonio…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-knicks-still-room-growth-163208576.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2025-01-24 16:32:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.