Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau met with newly acquired Cam Reddish on Saturday and told him that playing time will have to be earned, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. The Knicks didn’t part with any rotation pieces in the Thursday trade that brought Reddish to New York, sending out only Kevin Knox and a draft pick, so Reddish will have to supplant someone else to get his minutes.
Reddish is still dealing with a sprained ankle, so there’s no firm timetable for him to make his debut with the Knicks. Once he’s ready, it sounds like he will have to stand out in practice before being placed into the rotation.
“You don’t lock into one player, you lock into our team,’’ Thibodeau said. “So it’s not just Cam’s development or just (Immanuel Quickley’s). It’s everyone’s development. I’m looking forward to working with Cam. Practice is important to me. You have to earn what you get, it’s that simple.’’
There’s more on the Knicks:
- Executives around the league believe the Reddish trade may eventually lead to an even bigger deal, Berman states in a separate story. Sources tell him that the front office has already contacted the Mavericks about Jalen Brunson and has reached out to the Pistons about Jerami Grant and the Pacers about Myles Turner. The Knicks are particularly interested in Brunson, whose father Rick has served as an assistant coach under Thibodeau and was the first client for team president Leon Rose when he became an agent.
- The Knicks may be more willing to part with Julius Randle, who is having an uneven season after winning Most Improved Player honors last year, Berman adds. Randle may not be suited for the role of team leader, Berman suggests in the wake of a public dispute with fans last week. Rumors that John Collins may be available could spark another trade with the Hawks.
- Kemba Walker has now missed eight games after feeling pain in his left knee during warmups and didn’t make the trip to Atlanta for Saturday’s contest, notes Steve Popper of Newsday. “It’s a one-game trip,’’ Thibodeau said. “We thought it would be better, don’t get on the plane, stay at the practice facility, get your treatment, get your workout, get a much better workout there. Because it’s a one-day thing, we just thought it made more sense that way.”
Why would the Mavs trade Brunson? Nice that the Knicks are interested in him, but that’s not gonna work out for them.
Brunson is a FA and will expect a 18M$
He’s a top 25 PG (i.e. starting caliber) and blocked by Luka Doncic.
The NBA is positionless offensively and defensively Luka can guard forwards
He can guard backwards too.
so u think the mavs wouldn’t trade Brunson for multiple first round picks. Not saying the knicks would offer that but the guy can definitely be had if knicks want him bad enough.
I must admit I was wrong about RJ Barrett. He is in his bag right now and he is playing like a All Star. The offense looks so better with him being the number one option as opposed of Randle who is a turnover waiting to happen even though he played very well last night. As far as Jalen Brunson he is talented but is he the point guard of the future or is he a solid back up. I would rather trade for Deran Fox who has a lethal mid range game and he goes to the rack with authority and he is averaging 7 assists a game . I’m tired of trading for the stop gap players we need young bonafide players with all star potential. And let’s lighting up on Evan Fournier he is playing great right now and also Mitchell Robinson has showed us how much we missed him during that first round flameout against the Hawks. And much as I like Obi we can use him in a trade to snag a Deran Fox or another impact player. He is exciting with his athletic highlights but he can’t shoot so with the addition of Reddish and with Grimes being a mainstay in the rotation I think Obi is expendable.
Brunson is a floor manager like Cp3 or Vanvleet if Mavs are top 5 today is because of his skills to involve the all team around Luka … Go watch who is ending the Grizz streaks.
Fox is skilled when in shape but not a team player
I must admit I was just watching some Brunson highlights and he plays like a true point guard and I was reading he is one of the better mid range shooters in the NBA. He would look good in Orange and Blue. So I must admit he is more than a solid back up. But what would we have to give up to get him. First round picks Obi and another player. Maybe a Duece McBride who I like but I still think he is a bit undersized.
A 1st and Obi would be a good price if Mavs are open to trade him…
Going to take more than that.
Brunson will be UFA so if Mavs don’t overpay him, Knicks will probably
Wiggins is far better than RJ on efficiency
Wiggins 3 pt
43%
RJ
36%
Opponent field goal
Wiggins 42.9%
RJ 44.5%
Wiggins is at top 10 efficiency
RJ is not top 100
Silli If youre going to fixate on one stat, make it a better one. You lazy.
People are still trying to trade Toppin. Bit GMs don’t trade continual improvers on rookie contracts. Good way to get fired
Wiggins also gets better looks when teams have to focus so hard on curry and you have one of the best passing bigs of all time on the floor with you too
I would pump the brakes on the RJ praise. I hope you’re right and he’s turned the corner, but he’s streaky. He’ll have a handful of games in a row where he looks great, then follow it up with some absolute duds. I hope he keeps it up, though, because he’s a really hard worker and a great teammate. It also takes pressure off Randle, who can’t seem to handle being the #1 option.
He’s young and beginning to feel that he belongs among men. Not too long ago I mentioned he needs to take the reigns from Randle and be the focal point, and hopefully this is the turn of that happening.
Though basketball is a highly athletic, the mental aspect can stunt growth or progress (Simmons). I think the confidence is beginning to build – he was a top HS prospect as well as college, surrounded by former players who can guide him. Crossing my fingers.
Dallas is on a nice run and have comfortably put themselves in the top six in the west. With that being the case, I don’t know they would move JB now. As a Nova guy, I have always liked Brunson, and would love to see him playing for the Knicks, but what is it that they could give up that would be attractive enough to Dallas in the short term? I can’t see them wanting Walker or Randle, and the young kids/picks don’t help them now. Maybe they have interest in Robinson?
It would have to be a 3 team trade. Maybe Knicks five Randle to Atlanta for John collins then flip Collins to Dallas for Brunson. That would be my guess
Dallas wants to sign jokic, him and doncic r tight. They can’t sign jokic unless they get rid of kristaps. Young players and picks can be used to entice a rebuilding team to take on kristaps payroll in exchange for expiring contracts. Yes jalen is good but his main strength is as a floor general and the mavs have Luka for that. Brunson is more valuable to other teams than the mavs
We are 8-1 after putting him in the starting line-up with Luka. Strongly disagree with your logic.
I like Brunson defense and toughness
Lakers have to dump Westbrook salary otherwise they don’t have luxury tax to acquire Brunson
Lakers future is free agents or someone like Brunson, Finley Smith, Hyland,
What do you disagree with. I said Brunson best trait is that he is a floor general, smart offensive initiator. You disagree with that?? I definitely think Brunson is a good player and I definitely think he helps the mavs win, so I am not surprised that he has lead their recent turn around. My point was that he is more valuable to other teams then he is to the mavs. You disagree with that?? The mavs would be well put to surround doncic with three and d guards. Brunson is not that. Why have a good pg in Brunson when you already have doncic. Listen lebron James is a great player and if he was on the bucks clearly the bucks would improve. But if I was the bucks and had James I would trade him cause he’s too similar to giannis and I could get a lot of players that fit my team better. I never said Brunson doesn’t work with the mavs. I just said he is more valuable to other teams. U really disagree with that??? Don’t give Brunson away for free, but wouldn’t it make sense for the mavs to get more shooters and defense as opposed to having a player in Brunson whose main trait is to lead the offense when you already have doncic. The nba is not about putting the best players all in one team but to have players that match. Brunson is not a ideal match with doncic. And I k ow the mavs are winning lately but they have a generational player in doncic and right now are not even a top ten team. Clearly changes need to be made.
Knicks Lottery Picks, Last 5 Years:
Dennis Smith, Jr. #9, 2017*
Career PER: 12.2
Frank Nick, #8, 2017
Career PER: 7.9
Kevin Knox, #9 2018
Career PER: 8.7
RJ Barrett, #3 2019
Career PER: 12.6
Obi Toppin, #8 2020
Career PER: 15.1
*Yes, I’m counting him here because he was the main return for KP
Point: There is a lot of pressure on Obi and RJ to become notable players (and soon)—especially Barrett. It’s hard to imagine the Knicks getting to where they want to be (contending) with (5) top 10 picks in 5 years, and not (1) All Star to show for it. Three have already flamed out.
3 teams don’t develop young players
Lakers
Knicks
Rockets
They have to target Doncic and Morant a few years later
2 teams develop young players
Heat
Warriors
Wiggins 3 points FG
2019-20 33%
2020-21 38%
2021-22 43%
Luka and Morant aren’t going anywhere.
Smith was drafted by the Mavs. Came to NY in the KP trade. Was never given a chance. He looked good last night for Portland. NY is not patient trading Randle now would be a mistake Barrett can be the number 1 option let him fail some this year and learn to close. Closing takes time. Paul Pierce missed slot if big shots early on and he became automatic.
only area I disagree here is with trading Randle being a mistake. He is showing that he is serviceable as a component of an offense, not necessarily the #1 option..but I don’t trust RJ to consistently be that guy…yet. And if Randle is still here, when RJ falters, Randle would fall back into the ball-stopping, borderline-offensive foul committing, inefficient mid-range chucking fuster cluck.
I prefer a clean break, bring in someone who is not a ball-stopper & let RJ cook (mistakes and all early on)
DSJ can’t be included. It wasn’t like they acquired him after the draft, either. He was by default because KP wanted out. Toss KP on that list and it looks a bit better.
PER was created be a sports reporter. It’s a flawed stat. Cause it doesn’t take into account the other 4 players. And if you have an off shooting g might. It doesn’t mean you can’t impact game. With D and good decisions. And make that shot when it counts most. Basketball is a TEAM gm. Not a stat game. You play as a team both ways. Sure it always helps to have great scorers. PE
Duly noted on PER—although I think Hollinger is a little more than a sports reporter, it is offensively skewed.
Let’s take a look at Box Plus Minus and Value Over Replacement to round it out though, I think both of those are a little more inclusive—
Barrett
BPM (career) -2.3
VORP (career) -0.4
Obi
0.0
0.6
DSJ
-2.3
-0.4
Frank
-4.2
-2.5
Knox
-4.6
-2.6
Then we can take other young players for comparison—
Ja (#2, 2019)
Career PER 18.5
BPM +1.1
VORP 4.0
Tatum (#3, 2017)
Career PER 18.3
BPM +2.2
VORP 11.5
Donovan Mitchell (#13, 2017)
18.7
+2.2
11.4
Could go on … there are other stats and other comparisons, and I’m sure there are one or two where RJ or Obi might look ok, but as a whole I think the statement “The Knicks have had five top 10 picks in 5 years and don’t have a sure-fire All Star, much less franchise cornerstone, in the bunch” is pretty reasonable.
I hope I’m wrong and Obi and RJ both blossom though.
Player Efficiency Rating should never be used to judge a players impact. Just another tool to help evaluate your team.
Winning in NBA takes vets who know how to play together. Knicks are still a rebuilding team. Their focus is on acquiring talent, building assets. So they can upgrade position players.
Like Cam is young and an upgrade over Knox. Like getting Turner is an upgrade over Mitch. Like getting Grant is an upgrade over Fournier. Imo they won’t trade Fournier cause he can shoot. And we need that. Unless it’s for a star. Grimes, Quickley, Toppin, Mitch, Noel, Walker all could be moved. To upgrade also using our picks. Grant, Turner are young vets who fit our rebuild time line. And both won’t take much to get like a Dillard or Beal.
Brunson is a decent PG. A gm manager we sorely lack. He and Rose would be a solid two. I wouldn’t give up more than a pick for him. We can just sign him as FA next yr. To me Grant and Turner are gettable. And is a huge upgrade for this team.
The only picks that matter are Obi and RJ. This FO is here two yrs two drafts. Relax it’s a rebuild. They have drafted good overall. I think Mitch time might be up. Turner would be a solid choice. We just have to be patient. Another trade is coming at TD. Grimes, McBride are solid to me. That’s why I move Quickley. Obi I have mixed feelings about trading. But I do it for Grant.
So the Knicks own the Hawks again this year. Hawks got them back in playoffs last yr. This year looks different so far. Hawks have issues. Don’t watch them enough to speak about them. But they should have a better record.
Knicks were a second half team last yr. We got some injuries. But we are starting to win again in second half. We need a winning streak.
So the Atlanta Homer is in hiding Again.
God I hope the Knicks don’t try to get Collins – he’s not the guy we need and personally I’d prefer to see what Obi can/could do before pulling that trigger. And it’s not a good sign if the Hawks would actually be willing to move him after signing him to that contract.
Keep seeing this Brunson lovefest for the Knicks rumors. He is good, but not a bunch of picks good. Go after him in FA.
Side note… show New Amsterdam did yall Knicks fans dirty in the latest episode.
The Knicks’ FO has liked Brunson for awhile. But his contract is not one that any team is going to surrender major assets for. He’s not even a proven starter (that doesn’t happen after 20 games), and he’s a UFA at the end of the year. He’s NOT this year’s John Collins or close. Collins was a 3+ year starter, who put up consistent high end starter numbers and was controllable as a RFA. Hawks couldn’t get a 1st for him without it being heavily protected. Teams rarely relinquish significant assets for rising FAs of any kind (it’s paying TWICE for the same asset). For UFAs, it’s usually a non-starter. It would be doubly stupid for a rebuilding team like the Knicks to go in this direction.
Knicks are in the same position with Mitch; it’s really too late to trade him without first coming to a realization that the player’s contract is worth much less than the player might be. As a result, as long as the team is in the playoff hunt, I expect Mitch to stay. Same with DAL and Brunson.
True but in a case like this I’d look to the maxim One Man’s Trash…. Perhaps something like:
Mitch 1.8m
Kemba 8.7m
for
Bullock 9.5m
Brunson 1.8m
could scratch an itch for both sides. Each team gets a sneak peek at Brunson and Mitch, respectively.
Dallas gets some spacing around Luka in Kemba.
Bullock has stunk in Dallas but NYK has definitely missed him.
Or even a Mitch for Brunson deal straight up could work. Dallas needs a starting C, and if they don’t want to pay Brunson…
Personally, I’m not a huge Brunson guy, just because I wouldn’t want to pay him 18-20 per. I think he’s basically post-injury Derrick Rose but younger. NY fans who look at him as a solution to PG, I’m not so sure about that….
That deal makes sense. Swap of high end rentals (with Bird rights, but no matching rights). I’m not sure I’d rather have Brunson than Mitch, but the value is equivalent.
RICK Brunson is Jalen’s father. They are not both named Jalen.