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[New York Knicks]

We’ve finally gotten an update on the long-rumored Ben Simmons situation, and it’s a good one

Ever since the Knicks addressed their bench scoring needs early in the off-season, it’s been a slow and quiet summer for New York. There were a few weeks where we heard murmurs of who the Knicks would bring in to fill Mike Brown’s coaching staff, and we saw the usual big names being linked to the Knicks as future trade possibilities. And besides that, the only other real updates were ones surrounding who the Knicks would sign to fill their final roster spot. Names like Malcolm Brogdon, Torrey Craig, Caleb Houston, Mo Bamba, Amir Coffey, and former Knicks Alec Burks and Landry Shamet have all been thrown around at one point or another. But there was one name that kept being brought up. Ben Simmons. The former number one pick is an enigma to the highest degree, and his ceiling, as well as his floor, continues to make him an incredibly polarizing figure.

At his best, Simmons was an All-NBA caliber player who, despite his infamous shooting woes, could change the trajectory of a team with his incredibly rare combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking. But those days seem to be long gone, thanks in large part to injuries and what some would label as mental challenges. Yet over the last couple of seasons, Simmons has proven that in the right role, he can still succeed as a bench playmaker, capable of defending at a very high level. He answered questions surrounding his ability to take a backseat and play a lesser role. However, the questions surrounding both his health and commitment lingered, which is, without a doubt, the primary reason someone of his talent level remains a free agent. And it seems like it’ll stay that way for a bit longer, as we learned earlier today that Simmons has turned down the Knicks’ one-year offer.

For a Knicks team that is looking to win now and fill its roster with another veteran player capable of contributing immediately, Simmons checked a lot of boxes. He may not be the player he once was, or had the potential of being, but he could’ve been someone who helped form formidable defensive lineups and take some playmaking pressures off of its guards. But the Knicks, who should, and likely will, prioritize shooting and spacing, also made for a questionable fit for Simmons. While there aren’t many players on the Knicks, let alone the league, that are exactly like Simmons, his lack of shooting makes his skillset a bit redundant with the likes of Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, two players who figure to be a pivotal part of the Knicks’ season.

A lineup consisting of some combination of Deuce McBride, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, the aforementioned Hart and Robinson, and Simmons has the chance to be one of the best defensive lineups any team in the league could call on. But there just aren’t a lot of lineup combinations that Simmons would realistically work with, given his and some of the other players’ offensive weaknesses. The Knicks’ two best players are minuses on the defensive end, and New York knows that. They signed an offensive-minded coach in Brown, and doubled down on maximizing offensive firepower this offseason by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele. Simmons goes against all of that.

The former Sixer, Net, and Clipper might’ve given them some defensive assurance and some depth. He’s a high-risk, high-reward player who might’ve done some great things as a Knick. And he is one of, if not the sexiest name, the Knicks could’ve gone after. But a team that is looking to compete for a championship doesn’t need a player who has had troubles staying healthy, isn’t a perfect fit, has had questions surrounding his commitment, and may not be cut out for the internal and external pressures of being a Knick.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...ored-ben-simmons-situation-and-its-a-good-one

 

[New York Knicks]

What changes Mike Brown might bring to the Knicks

This week, John Schuhmann dug into the adjustments Mike Brown might bring to New York, and the themes are pretty clear.

The Knicks have leaned heavily on Jalen Brunson’s isolation game, ranking near the bottom in ball and player movement every year under Tom Thibodeau. Brown’s history in Sacramento suggests he’ll want the offense to flow more freely, with cuts, passes, and off-ball activity creating easier looks. It might even benefit Captain Clutch himself, who has been more efficient on catch-and-shoot threes than pull-ups.

Tempo is another area to watch. The Knicks were one of the slowest teams in the league at getting into their sets, often leaving themselves to grind out possessions against the shot clock. Brown’s Kings squad consistently goosed the ball up the floor faster, even if it wasn’t always to score in transition. Simply starting earlier opened up more options, which is something recent Knicks teams could have used more of.

On defense, the question is whether Brown will show more flexibility than Thibs. Towns and Brunson are both liable to be targeted in the pick-and-roll, and Thibs rarely turned to zone as a counter. In Sacramento, Brown was willing to deploy zone situationally. Potentially playing bigger lineups with a healthy Mitchell Robinson alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, the new coach could experiment with schemes that protect their stars while still dominating the glass.

The Knicks’ core is back, the depth has been bolstered, and now the biggest variable is their skipper. If Mike can coax more movement, a quicker tempo, and a little more creativity on defense, the ‘Bockers just might be ready to steamroll the league.

What do you think: are these tweaks enough to turn the Knicks into true Finals contenders? Air it out below. And you can read Schuhmann’s article here. Go Knicks.

Source: https://www.postingandtoasting.com/...-changes-mike-brown-might-bring-to-the-knicks