So I turn to the bench for the big upgrade. A guy like Fournier or reddish, who would typically be asked to be the bench spark on most teams won’t here unless of emergency. This Knicks team is dependent on a system that values guys like deuce and sims over Fournier and Reddish. So the goal becomes to find a guy who has both the talent and system fit to add to the bench and lead it alongside Quickley. It’s likely a wing who can score and defend multiple positions at least adequately enough. It’s someone who can be a real upgrade and fit in seamlessly. Knicks have a top performing starting 5 when it’s fully intact, so now it’s time to make the bench one of the best in the league while we have the means and flexibility.

So who is the player that can do this ? Who is the best player we can acquire either via trade or free agency that you think would be happy coming off the bench (probably eliminating guys like DeRozan, Kuzma, and crowder for example) who could help suck the life out of other team’s benches and fill in when a starter is out ? Give me a name or names of who makes sense ?

I think our best options are going to come from within

For us, Love is actually the right kind of backup to Randle for 15 mpg- can stretch the floor and rebound, pass the ball and provide some physicality. Levert is a guy who can provide scoring punch and provides some length/size on the wing. Worst case both are expiring deals and we free up some more cash at the end of the season.

Alright back to real life.

VDesai wrote:Ok I'll play the pointless tradechecker game. Can we make a deal for Caris Levert/Kevin Love? Shed some salary, but add some bench pieces that fit better. Could take the whole group of Toppin, Rose, Fournier and Reddish and throw it over to the Cavs for Levert/Love+ bit pieces. Toppin, Fournier and Reddish fit better with the Cavs. Reddish could start there and they could use Fournier's shooting and Toppin's ability to run with their guards.

For us, Love is actually the right kind of backup to Randle for 15 mpg- can stretch the floor and rebound, pass the ball and provide some physicality. Levert is a guy who can provide scoring punch and provides some length/size on the wing. Worst case both are expiring deals and we free up some more cash at the end of the season.

Alright back to real life.

Fun trade idea and one that can give Cavs the depth it needs. They could parlay Cam into something else or let him walk.
We get to oggle over Kevin Loves wife.

Alpha1971 wrote:Obi has a future with us a a back up. I don't think with players coming out of the draft the next few years that other teams will open the vault for him. Could be Obi is more valuable to us then to other teams and we keep him on a number acceptable to both the team and the player. Same for IQ.

Hard to see Obi automatically starting on another team. Even the heavily rebuilding teams like Orlando and Houston have multiple big men they are committed to. The Indiana rumor does make sense because they are a good young team without a good PF. But outside of that , I do agree that his best role might just be backup PF here. He’s beloved by the fan base, gets to play at home, and is sort of shielded from any real pressure with Randle in front of him taking all the heat. He will get paid more then his production on his next contract too.

fishmike wrote:OG would be the perfect fit. The problem is the cost will be prohibitive. The idea is to KEEP IQ/Grimes/RJ and ADD to that pool.

I think our best options are going to come from within

This.
Rather stick to small moves.
We have enough fat that the FO needs to focus on. Getting rid of Cam, EF, Rose is a big chunk. The FO also seem to be looking at getting rid of some of the youngins who may not feel fit long term. Maybe those two moves pick up some added help this year.
The third move is to add an elite player using our plethora of picks.
But don't that will happen till this summer.

Best players off the bench would be adding elite players that would force RJ and Grimes to the second unit. Would spell deep playoff run.
However, not sure that is available right now.

TPercy wrote:thats where draft picks come through tbh.

Agreed. The draft will have those guys if we draft right.

But I’ll want to look in free agency too. How about shake Milton? Another solid wing who stepped up during injuries for Philly but they may not have the luxury of keeping.

Knixkik wrote:Watching Josh Richardson. He’s the type of player who would be really useful off the bench here. Already used to coming off the bench, is a 3 & D guy who can also handle the ball and create a little.

I prefer Stanley Johnson since he's beefier, but both would be useful.

Indiana is in a strange place.

MS wrote:Fournier, Cam and a 1st for Buddy Hield isn’t a bad trade.

That’s a lot of fire power off the bench and should make the team better long term.

Knixkik wrote:Watching Josh Richardson. He’s the type of player who would be really useful off the bench here. Already used to coming off the bench, is a 3 & D guy who can also handle the ball and create a little.

So Stanley is more your type.