... no, I don't mean Conley and Lowry, who'd I'd take either in a NY minute over Ball. I don't care about timeline. Rondo helped the Lakers win a chip last year. There have been few to no NBA teams with a starting 5 all on the same "timeline." Knicks should build a contender before they make dynasty moves and both these guys would be great for the Knicks or a few years.
But NOT them...
Sell me on Ball over UFA's Cameron Payne and TJ McConnell.
No ... seriously.
Ball PROS:
- Younger, and strictly by basis of draft position and having a younger brother who may be a breakout star, has greater PERCEIVED upside.
- Has significantly great length.
- SLIGHTLY better rebounder than either ... slightly.
Payne PROS:
- 26, older, but still in prime and may be one of those PG late bloomers.
- By most metrics, the superior shooter (in ALL quadrants), the superior passer (one of the highest assist rates in the NBA), the superior defender, more efficient.
- is more of a perimeter distributor like Ball, but finishes closer to the basket better.
- Has been sitting behind Paul for a year, will likely play significant postseason minutes this year.
- Is probably best suited for a 25-min two-headed role (with Rose?)
McConnell PROS:
- 28, older still, but still within prime.
- Is MUCH more of a penetrator in the Thibs mold, takes a ton of shots 0-3, 3-10 feet (much more often than Ball) and hits at a MUCH better rate than Ball.
- Is one of the very best distributors in the NBA. Has the highest assist-rate/per 100 poss #s of any PG of any significance.
- Rated as a superior defender than Ball, and is one of the league's best at jumping passing lanes and creating steals.
- Has had a VERY up and down 3 pt% career, and is a middling .350 this season (has had seasons much worse, seasons much better).
- Like Payne is probably best suited for a 25-min two-headed role
I think both of these players right now are better, more efficient and more useful than Ball. But they lack the same size and perceived pedigree/upside that makes Ball appealing.
But that said, because they are UFAs as opposed to an RFA, are older and don't have the perceived tantalizing "ceiling" as Ball, they might be able to be had for significantly less without anything attached. They'd more fit into the lunchpail mold of the Thibs Knicks.
I think both are under-the-radar valuable players and would work well with Rose if that's the direction the Knicks wish to go in. They just might be who they are, though Thibs defensive scheming and whatever voodoo the Knicks are practicing to improve their 3 pt shooting couldn't hurt.
The floor is your's...
but I have been so high on the FO I would keep an open mind
5/5/2021 4:45 PM LAST EDITED: 5/5/2021 4:48 PM