The New York Knicks just managed a big win against the LA Lakers to help keep their run in the Eastern Conference strong. While they may not make it to the playoffs, this season will be considered a success in New York. After all, this is the first season after year’s of disappointment that the Knicks have been competitive.
Tom Thibodeau has given the team an identity and has developed a strong core. RJ Barrett and Julius Randle headline that core, but the team will be looking to add reinforcements next to them. The team has ample amounts of cap space, and they may be looking to make a big swing on two Western Conference point guards in Dennis Schroder of the Lakers and Lonzo Ball of the Pelicans.
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Schroder just put up big numbers in LA’s loss to New York. He has already declined a contract extension from the Lakers and will be looking to test his value. Similarly, Ball hasn’t signed an extension in New Orleans and was heavily rumored to be traded away from the Pelicans. But are these choices the right ones for New York to make?
New York Knicks: Who is the better fit?
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The Knicks have worked hard on keeping cap flexibility. But to get a superstar to finally come back to the Knicks, they will need more than just the core they have right now. Getting guards like Schroder and Ball sends a message to everyone that the Knicks are ready to compete.
Lonzo Ball would be the perfect fit in Tom Thibodeau’s system. He is an astute defender who has developed his shooting remarkably this season. Along with that, he is a true floor general and one of the most gifted playmakers in the league right now. But interest in him will not come cheap. Nor will it for Dennis Schroder.
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Schroder is not the same defender that Ball is, but he is more than competent on that end of the ball. Similarly, his offensive production may be better than Lonzo’s. This New York team has enough defense, and a bucket-getter like Schroder may be the answer to their worries. Either way, New York is looking healthy heading into the 2021 off-season.