VDesai wrote:It will be hard to keep Obi at this point. We can't/won't offer him the role that maximizes him and therefore won't pay him as much as someone who does want to project him.There are varying opinions on him, but he's almost the polar opposite type of power forward from Randle and that's what makes him such a difficult player to slot in behind Randle. Its not a like for like change, its a different style of play. But you can see how when he's out there with guys like Hart, Grimes, Quickley, Hartenstein that like to create turnovers and pass the ball, how he is a weapon as a guy who can run the floor and finish. Then his energy level is up and he's hustling on defense. When he's out there with ISO players like Barrett or even Brunson, he's just standing in the corner shooting 3s and can look lost.
Money players are there to finish games and produce even if iso.
Is this a true statement or not?
If so, then look across the players with big contracts and skill sets.
They are “finishers”. Can shoot, dribble, penetrate, play defense, rebound.
Brunson defense is not great but he his not a max player.
Randle is an allstar but not top tier consistent.
Obi is an NBA player but what is he? If another team wants him they can come get him via trade this year, or as a restricted FA. Most likeley its in his best interests to get traded to a team. CLT likey has Miles Bridges returning next season. Can’t speak for other teams.
Since we always have to talk about RJ, its my opinion the knicks are developing RJ into a finisher. FT% is improved, his inside the paint game is improved, stronger to the rim im proved, gets to the line more improved, he is doing more with the ball and thus his TO’s are worse. His 3pt shooting is worse.
Some fans think he won’t get better. Im not here to say it will or won’t. He has a contract, FO and coaches see whats good and whats not, and it will be what it is. Knicks committed to him.
Now its Obi’s turn to see whats up. He makes 8mil next year. Does he get a 2 year extension at say 10mil?
If his market value is higher, knicks pay him more or trade him. Simple.
HE should want out but whats waiting for him among 29 other teams? Fans don’t have much experience with resigning rookies since Charlie Ward. We did Mitch well and extended RJ. Both still young. Very young.
Then there is IQ who has come on very strong 2/3rds of this year. He is trending very well in year three. Grimes same in year 2!
Its not what I think Obi or Iq’s value is that matters. Its the 29 other teams that will make up their market.