Knicks forward Kevin Knox could see an increased role with starting center Mitchell Robinson sidelined due to a fractured hand, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has spent parts of recent practices testing different lineups, some of which included small-ball variations, according to Berman. The 21-year-old Knox is averaging 16.2 minutes in 23 games this season, lower than his previous two campaigns.
One thing Knox has added this year is three-point shooting, connecting on 37.9% of his shots, albeit on limited attempts. Those small-ball lineups would likely feature Obi Toppin at starting power forward and Julius Randle at center. New York currently holds a 14-16 record.
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- With the Celtics playing the Pelicans on Sunday, Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston examines three New Orleans players that could interest the team in a potential trade. Among those players is Josh Hart, whose versatility, size and shooting could bolster Boston’s depth at the wing positions.
- Sixers rookie Isaiah Joe has learned from several veteran players this season, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. The 76ers added Dwight Howard to a veteran mix that already included Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid and others last offseason, giving Joe plenty of players to learn from. For the season, the 21-year-old is averaging 4.7 points, 1.2 rebounds and 12.9 minutes in 17 games.
- The scrutiny that comes with playing in New York made Knicks star Julius Randle a better basketball player, Berman examines in a separate story for the New York Post. “I felt like I wasn’t playing my best basketball,’’ Randle said on J.J. Redick’s podcast, as relayed by Berman. “I don’t care what anyone says — there’s no tougher place to play than New York with the media and the fans who know and love the game. It’s a tough place to play. Anyone who loves the game is going to be sensitive about their craft. I was sensitive to it and really wanted to get better. My progression in my career was every year I got better. I took it personal and a challenge and think I’ve done that.’’
The 76ers rocked the 2021 draft without a lottery pick. They may have as many as three solid contributors from this draft, including Joe.
Draft happened already ?? Season ain’t over yet. Sixers could go to Finals.
Hart had good gm today. He could help any team. Why would NO move him. I wouldn’t. Move Ball he hasn’t progressed as he should.
Everyone knows it was a typo, you just sound stupid pointing it out like that.
Nothing gets by you, I see
Gotta give Randle credit. He has worked and made himself better. He’s in better shape too. He really has gone all the way to get better at his craft. You have to respect that. Thibs has also helped him imo. Considering he is signed for another yr. There is no rush to move in Toppin. I just wish with Mitch out. He could get more mins. As a Knick fan Randle now could also help us get a LaVine. Or a young talented vet even in a three way. NY is starving for a winner. So there is going to be a rush and pressure to get there. Considering Thibs knows NY. I pray he doesn’t buy into this. He’s only been here for half a season. It’s not a priority to win now. The priority is to build a core. Best way to do that. Is get this young talent ready to play or get moved. If there is a trade to be made to upgrade this team at TD. Then you do it, just try and keep our picks this yr. With FA and next yrs draft. We can upgrade significantly for next yr. So let’s not blow that to lose in first rd. Rebuild rebuild rebuild
Knicks don’t know how to rebuild, they hold onto guys with expiring deals and dont take back contracts for picks. Don’t play their young players enough except for RJ. I’m not even a NYK fan and they are frustrating.
I agree that’s why Thibs is here. New day in NY. this is basically same personnel as last yr. Yet this yr we are actually in playoffs conversation. I’m all about rebuilding with 3 picks in top 32 next yr.
Untouchables for a trade for me are the following:
Randle
Obi
RJ
Quickley
Even For a Bradley.
Everyone else in my opinion we can trade including Knox, Mitch or Noel.
Celtics won’t get Hart. They’re too cheap.
Jaylen Brown for Bradley Beal straight up?
Are you kiddin’ me?
You cannot be serious?
Right?
The scrutiny that comes from playing in Nee York, for the KNICKS? That organization is so awful it can’t even have proper haters. Give me a break
Randle was already a hot-type player, was for the Lakers and Pels. The Nix cooled him off until Thibs came in and made sure he had passing lanes and was featured in accordance with his salary. That by Berman was just writerly stuff.
Randle was a turnover machine before this yr. Always went one on one when he should pass. Even went one on two. He made bad decisions too many times. It’s why Lakers and Pelicans let him walk for nothing. He’s always shown talent but never consistency. This is the first yr he has ever shown to be more a complete player. His D is even better. To his credit he’s done most of it. I’m sure Toppin and Thibs have pushed him. Either way we will benefit wether we build with him or trade him.
I watched Hart a little yesterday & he is exactly the player he was when he was traded from L.A.
He has not markedly improved his game much. I have to agree with trading him. He needs to get with a better development staff & maybe work harder to earn 6-7th man off the bench honors. A little career rejuvenation therapy is in order.