These last couple games have been a little encouraging because Randle seems to be thinking less, Fournier seemed to at least look the part last night, and obviously McBride has been a revelation. At the end of the day though it’s still the defense that will be the identity of a Thibs team. If Deuce continues to look like a solid distributor, his long term position as starting PG may be a possibility. I was hoping Quickley may grow into it, but Thibs may simply view him as our elite 6th man who will still finish many games and play 30+ mins, like Miami uses Herro. I think the key move is to trade for Myles Turner at this point. Even if it costs Toppin and a 1st round pick or two, Turner would offer the big upgrade at center this team badly needs, and he’s only 25 years old.
With Deuce at the PG and Turner at C, you have your elite defensive cogs at the point of attack and anchoring the defense, which would get Thibs team identify back in line. Randle and Barrett would continue to be the fixtures in the starting lineup, and that other wing starter is the swing position. We can continue to start Fournier to see if he gets back into gear, or slide Burks over to the starting wing. Long term, the path and opportunity would be open for Grimes to take over, or most likely, there is a path to acquiring a star wing who can really be a difference maker that eventually presents itself. I’d love to figure out a way to get Turner without trading toppin, but not sure it’s possible. I don’t want to trade for an aging star. Turner still fits with the age of the core.
C Turner (age 25)
F Randle (age 27)
G/F Barrett (age 21)
G/F Fournier (or another placeholder until star acquisition)
G McBride (age 21)
6th Quickley (age 22)
7th Grimes (age 21)
This is how you build up a core. Knicks can play 5 out, as everyone can shoot threes. There’s a lot of promise here, and I’d have to think a lineup that consists of Turner and Deuce can be a consistent defensive powerhouse.
12/17/2021 9:35 AM