fishmike wrote:I like this combo next to KP. I dont want KP banging against 5s. Same reason you dont want Dirk at center. 24 minutes each is really kind of perfect. They both go full speed for 24 minutes a night. They both bring very different things, but both are a huge physical presence. Kanter doesnt protect the rim. He's ok m2m and brutal on help. He's also fearless, tries really hard and has a great motor for about 25 minutes and absolutely kills it on the glass. Kanter wears you down. Guys like Kanter are horrible to play against. You saw it get chippy last night. KOQ blocks shots, has nice range on his jumper and is a fantastic passer. He's great at finding cutting guards. We get to have a nice long look, but so far I think this is exactly the bigman rotation I would like to see. KP exclusively at the 4 next to a center. I am a huge Willy fan but if there is a long athletic wing that defends I am looking hard. Not sure Im sold on Harkless. I value Willy more than that. I am open though.
I also think both Kanter and KOQ would be open to staying long tern without breaking the bank. KOQ is home, and technically so is Kanter as he cant go back to his. I think they could get bigger deals on the open market but maybe 4 years $50mm for KOQ and keep Kanter about where he is.. thats about $30mm for your center spot which is reasonable in this CBA especially when you consider KOQ and Kanter's production
20ppg, 17rebs, 2.3 blocks, 3assists and shooting almost 60% combined
You still have Noah for injuries, etc... maybe you see a little KOQ at the 4. Not ideal but there may be nights. Point is Noah expires when you gotta pay KP so there is a bit of fluidity there.
If there is a way to package Willy and our pick, for a high draft pick, put us in the running for a player like Doncic, I hope the Knicks go for it.
Willy still has that new car smell, so to speak. He has that Rookie first team award. I would sell Willy as recent draft pick who has only scratched the surface. One or two high picks in the next draft (depending on where we finish) might give us the young talent to challenge a team like The Sixers in the coming years. Look at that squad, and their age.
I was very much against doing something like this last season, because this team had little talent to surround KP with for the long term. That's not the case anymore, although the Knicks have more work to do.
Would rather see Perry give it a try, instead of acquiring another role player, who might not move the needle all that much.