Think the New York Knicks’ biggest need entering the NBA trade deadline is a backup floor general? Think again. They actually need to trade for another bigger wing who can cover up for their defensive deficiencies. The time they’ve spent without OG Anunoby is proof.
This is not exclusively about the 28-year-old missing games with a hamstring injury. While his absence highlights a rotational void they’ve had all along, it was clear before now that he is the nerve center to the Knicks’ entire defense.
New York is allowing 1.09 points per possession with him on the floor (after filtering out garbage time), which ranks in the 87th percentile.