The Knicks should prioritize an extension for Mikal Bridges this offseason, Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post opines.
While Bridges isn’t an All-Star at the level of Jalen Brunson, he’s proven his value with game-changing plays during the postseason after an underwhelming regular season, Vaccaro writes. He’s also extremely durable. Bridges could sign a four-year extension worth up to $156MM this offseason, which would make sense for both sides. However, Bridges could choose to wait until free agency in 2026 with the hope of getting a more lucrative deal.
We have more on the Knicks:
- Tom Thibodeau has been criticized in the past for sticking with the same formula but that hasn’t been the case in these playoffs, James Edwards III of The Athletic writes. New York made more switches defensively than it ever did during the regular season in order to throttle Boston’s attack. Thibodeau also allowed Bridges to initiate the offense more often in pick-and-rolls with Brunson on the bench. The team’s regulars have also made it to the conference finals in good health despite Thibodeau continuing to rely heavily on his starters.
- Brunson changed his workout routine after he left the Mavericks to sign with the Knicks, his personal trainer Dave Williams told Mark Medina of RG.org. “The workouts were basically the same, but they evolved,” Williams said. “In New York, I knew he’d have the ball in his hands all the time. In Dallas, he played alongside Luka (Doncic), who was more ball-dominant. So in New York, we focused more on one-on-one moves and shooting off the dribble. We did more pick-and-roll work and had him shooting threes off the pick-and-roll. We increased the threes a lot. When I hear commentators say he got better at shooting off the dribble, that has me smiling inside.”
- The Knicks need to take advantage of this opportunity because another one might not come along, Vaccaro writes in another column for the New York Post. While the roster is built to take multiple shots at a championship, they can’t count on getting to this spot again. Vaccaro points out that the NHL’s Rangers, who share Madison Square Garden with the Knicks, made the conference finals last season and didn’t make the playoffs this season.
- Peter Botte of the New York Post breaks down the matchups and 10 factors that will decide the series between the Knicks and Pacers.
At this point, if not from the get go, the NYK and Bridges should be on the same page with respect to an extension. Anything short of that would be disappointing. If there are any hiccups, then I suspect the NYK will trade him vs allowing him to go into the final season of his deal.
Love this Knicks team but I hope it’s not actually their last shot because if they can beat the Pacers, they have no shot of beating okc.
They had no shot of beating Boston
OKC is having a far better year than Boston. 68 wins in the west? Come on man.
GhostofThomasHamilton:
Yes, you’re right. The favorite always wins! Let’s just stop the season now and give OKC the championship! So ridiculous. When will people learn that we don’t know what’s going to happen? We’re not as smart as we think we are when trying to predict these things. And as far as the West is concerned, that conference is deeper, but outside of OKC, the best teams in the league are in the East.
I didn’t say I knew what was going to happen. I said OKC is having a better year than Boston. Continue arguing with no one if you wish.
“OKC is having a far better year than Boston. 68 wins in the west? Come on man.”
So what were you implying here then?
Well. Let’s see. It appears that I wrote OKC is a tougher out than Boston.
GhostofThomasHamilton:
The “come on, man” would seem to imply more, but whatever. We will see, as you said.
Yes ,we will, No sense trying to predict the future like you do bro.
GhostofThomasHamilton:
Even though you have no examples of me trying to predict the future. Ok then.
@Bargzzz
Boston had multiple starters playing hurt/ill and then lost Tatum. That’s why the Knicks won the series.
All champions have injury luck. See last season.
NBA is OK:
Anyone looking for excuses is sure to find them. Regarding Tatum, do you need to be reminded once again that the Knicks were going up 3-1 at that point?
Yet they were up 3-1 over Boston with Tatum. Tell me more.
tuck 2:
Another one who thinks he can predict the future. It’s entirely possible that Knicks don’t beat the Thunder, but if you think the Knicks can’t beat them, then I guess you just started watching professional sports yesterday. That’s not the way it works, pal.
“Peter Botte of the New York Post breaks down the matchups and 10 factors that will decide the series between the Knicks and Pacers.”
Dana, the Post has a paywall, so there’s no way any of us can read that article unless we subscribe to the Post. What did that article say?
The Knicks will not beat Indy. Carlisle is a way better coach. There depth will wear out the Knicks.
Hubie Brown knows:
Easy to make statements like this when there’s no repercussions to being wrong. The Knicks are favored for a reason. I’m not saying that I know they will win. There’s no way to know that. But while the Pacers are deeper, the Knicks have the better top of the roster players overall. I also think Thibodeau is a very good coach, but Carlisle is very good as well.
Why do you keep trying to predict the future?
GhostofThomasHamilton:
Give one example of where I did that? I’m waiting…. Here’s what I said:
“I’m not saying that I know they will win. There’s no way to know that.”
How is that me predicting the future? It’s the opposite.
This the 5th year of the Knicks rebuild. Has paid off big time. Their two biggest additions this year Bridges and Towns. Have been more consistent and productive in the playoffs. For first year players on the Knicks. Both are a big part of the team success. Team building is what the Knicks have been doing all year. And it’s to their credit they are still growing as a team. Surging at the right time of the season.
Knicks talent evaluation and player development. Are in plain sight all over these playoffs. Every team left has a Knick connection. With ex Knicks playing prominent roles on their teams. That’s a credit to the rebuilding to Rose and Thibs. Outsiders just don’t understand how hard it is to rebuild in NY.
Imo we are ahead of schedule. And now are faced with a great opportunity with Boston and Cleveland gone. All about the Pacers now …..
Obi Toppin — playing 16 mins for Pacers ….
Isiah Hartenstein — starting for OKC. A Thibs kind of player ….
Julius Randle — starting for TWolves and playing his best ball now in playoffs ….
Donte DiVincenzo — playing 25.8 mins a game for Minny …..
This is what team building looks like for the New York Knickerbockers. Something only a true Knick fan or true basketball fan can appreciate. Didn’t know much about Rose when he was hired. He has done good work here. And keeping Dolan out of the way. Probably his biggest achievement. Thibs an NBA lifer. Just glad he’s our coach. 4 more wins
“In Thibs we Trust”
link to lastwordonsports.com
At Al. Grew up in Staten Island. Graduated H.S. in 72. Been Knicks fan my whole life.Rose & Thibs have done GREAT JOB!This is a TEAM! I’m with you all the way!
You know whats up !!
Patrick finger roll miss. The Bulls and MJ. Reggie win 8 pts in 9 sec. Smith blocked and stripped 4 times under basket. The Isiah Error. All the terrible FA signings. Then Riley abandoning Knicks going to Heat. The constant Dolan meddling spending loads of money and not getting anything done. It’s been a long road brother …. Enjoy this ride ……. NYK .