The New York Knicks are looking for redemption. Jalen Brunson and Co. suffered a heartbreaking loss at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Tonight, the Knicks are going head-to-head against the Sixers again. While Jalen Brunson and Co. look to keep their Championship dream alive, WNBA legend Candace Parker terrified the Knicks fans with a harsh truth about their beloved squad.
Parker raised a massive concern ahead of the Knicks vs. Sixers clash that could ruin New York’s chances of winning a title this season. “The amount of minutes that the main guys have had to log…Hart…Brunson…DiVincenzo… I just wonder if they’re going to be able to get to the finish line healthy.” Candace believes the Knicks have the potential to make some noise in the playoffs. But they might not stay healthy throughout the season due to their starters playing extra minutes.
Candace Parker: "The amount of minutes that the main guys have had to log…Hart…Brunson…DiVincenzo…I just wonder if they're going to be able to get to the finish line healthy…" pic.twitter.com/HnEsSxhLDK
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 12, 2024
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The Knicks have had an injury-riddled season with several stars, including Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, missing major time. Their absence has forced the Knicks to play their starters extra minutes to make up for their injured roster. Jalen Brunson has been the best player for the Knicks, averaging 27.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds while playing 35.3 minutes per game. Brunson’s high usage rate has caused him to miss some games recently due to lingering injury issues.
Donte DiVincenzo has also seen a significant rise in playing time since Randle’s injury. Donte’s season average for minutes played is only 26.6, but that has increased to a whopping 38.2 minutes in Randle’s absence. Josh Hart has played 40+ minutes in 9 consecutive games. Although the high usage has worked for the Knicks so far, they might not be able to continue it all season.
The Knicks fanbase responds to Candace Parker’s concerns
After Candace Parker highlighted the glaring problem in Jalen Brunson and Co.’s strategy, the Knicks fans had mixed reactions to her opinion. Several fans agreed with the WNBA legend and blamed Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau for overusing the starters.
She's not wrong. That's Thibs' biggest fault. Always has been, outside of offense. #Knicks #NewYorkForever #NBA
— Kerry Belkin (@BelkinKerry) March 12, 2024
Thibs has a tendency to do this.
— Spirituality (@addictcoaching) March 12, 2024
This fan also agreed with Parker and hoped for Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson’s quick return to end the Knicks’ problems.
To be fair this is my only concern with this team. That we get Randle and Mitch back and also stay healthy otherwise. If so we are gonna be dangerous.
— Thomas Fink (@TNF3412) March 12, 2024
However, one fan believed the Knicks had no option but to increase their starters’ usage because they had been shorthanded all season.
What else is supposed to happen when most of these games we’ve had 8 players active? Still have to play to win the game can’t punt and hope for the best with how the standings look
— Ragnar (@ThreeToThaDome) March 12, 2024
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This Knicks fan was not happy with Candace raising concerns and believed she had a vendetta against the team.
Candace Parker really has a vendetta against the Knicks like damn what did we do to you?
— Talking Big Blue (@Talking_BigBlue) March 12, 2024
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Despite the fans’ mixed reactions, the high usage of their starters is a serious concern for the Knicks. Even though the Knicks have remained the 4th seed using this strategy, it might backfire in the playoffs. As the competition gets tougher in the postseason, logging in 40+ minutes could take a toll on the Knicks stars, and they could face an early exit in the playoffs.