Gilbert Arenas feels that a star player is still missing from the Knicks.
On December 30, the Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks. Since that trade was made, they have won ten of their last twelve games. Moreover, with a roster full of tough two-way players, Tom Thibodeau’s defense has occasionally looked outstanding.
Gilbert Arenas, though, continues to feel that the Knicks need to bring in another elite player.
For several seasons, the Knicks have been waiting for a star trade. Two players who are often considered for a quick move to New York City are Donovon Mitchell and Karl-Anthony Towns. Still, the Knicks are a strong team in their current configuration.
Anunoby has contributed to the Knicks’ defense reaching a higher plane. Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson are two incredibly skilled scorers and facilitators. However, as built, New York is not a team capable of winning a championship.
Yes, the roster would be completely changed by a legitimate top-10 or top-15 NBA player. Indeed, the Knicks possess the necessary assets to pull off such a trade.
However, the front desk deserves recognition for exercising restraint. They’re choosing their targets carefully. Whichever celebrity moves to New York, they must complement what Thibodeau has created.
The talent and system that are already in place ought to be highlighted. It would be silly to rebuild the entire system to accommodate a single player after years of progressing in the right direction.
New York is gradually starting to attract tourists. There’s a positive trend for the Knicks. A star exchange is imminent. It completes the jigsaw of New York.
In the upcoming offseason, the Knicks may decide to hold out for Mitchell or try to wrangle Towns away from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Or there might be an instantaneous available target that comes into view.
The Knicks are holding out for their chance. A sleeping giant will be genuinely awakened when it arrives.
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During his first two seasons with the Knicks, Jalen Brunson has undoubtedly played at an All-Star level, despite not being selected for the award a year ago.
However, Brunson’s play of late has only improved, solidifying his place among the NBA’s best point guards.
Prior to Thursday’s home game against the Nuggets, the $104 million deal had scored at least 30 points in five straight games. In his ten appearances since OG Anunoby joined the Knicks’ starting lineup on January 1st as a result of a trade with the Raptors, he had accomplished this seven times.
During that stretch, Brunson also missed two games due to a calf injury (a loss to the Magic and a win over the Grizzlies), but the Knicks have won 10 of 12 games overall to go to 10 games over.500 (27-17) for the first time this season.
In five of the ten games that Brunson has played since the calendar turned, he and Julius Randle have scored at least thirty points apiece. Most recently, they both finished with that exact amount in Tuesday’s thrilling victory over the Nets in Brooklyn.
We’re just playing the right game, in my opinion. After the game, Randle stated, “It starts with me and J.” “We have to make the right plays because we know we receive a lot of attention.”
Since Anunoby’s arrival, Brunson has averaged 29.0 points and 8.0 assists per game. As of Tuesday’s play, his career-high 26.6 points per game this season ranked 12th in the league.
Even so, Thursday night will see the announcement of the NBA’s All-Star starters, and despite Brunson’s outstanding recent run, he might not be able to secure one of the first two backcourt spots in the Eastern Conference.
When the reserves are announced on Thursday, Brunson still has a chance to be selected for his first career All-Star game even if he isn’t named a starter.
