The New York Knicks have always been a team to watch, but this season, the Knicks’ defense is the talk of the town. Could they actually top the NBA charts for defense in the upcoming 2024-25 season? It’s a tantalizing thought that’s making waves among analysts and fans alike.
Is the Knicks’ Defense Ready to Overcome Last Season’s Shortcomings and Dominate?
SNY’s Rafael Canton has thrown the Knicks’ hat into the ring as potential frontrunners for the NBA’s best defense. While he’s optimistic, he tempers his enthusiasm with a dose of realism. Canton believes the Knicks could crack the top five, though he notes some crucial caveats:
“The Knicks’ backcourt is on the shorter side with players like the 6-foot-2 Brunson and McBride. If injuries hit, they might have to scramble with even smaller lineups. Plus, Randle’s defensive effort has been hit-or-miss,” Canton remarks.
Mitchell Robinson’s reluctance to guard bigs on the perimeter is another concern. Despite these issues, Canton is hopeful, citing the Knicks’ potential for a high defensive ceiling:
“With the defensive talent on this roster, a top defensive ranking isn’t out of the question. A top-five finish seems like a solid bet if everything clicks.”
In the 2023-24 season, the Knicks landed at No. 9 in defensive rating, with a score of 112.4. Their performance wasn’t flawless—opponents hit 36.5% of their three-pointers, placing the Knicks in the middle of the pack at No. 15. Additionally, their 4.1 blocks per game were the second-lowest in the league. Yet, they excelled in perimeter and interior discipline, ranking sixth with only 17.6 personal fouls per game.
The Knicks’ defensive prowess was evident in their team effort and relentless hustle. The departure of Isaiah Hartenstein could weaken their interior defense and rim protection, but Mikal Bridges’ arrival is a game-changer. Known for his defensive tenacity, Bridges is poised to bolster the Knicks’ perimeter defense significantly. His previous season’s Defensive Player of the Year runner-up status speaks volumes about his capabilities.
With Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Jalen Brunson anchoring the defense, the Knicks could well claim the title of the best perimeter defense in the NBA. Julius Randle’s defensive consistency remains a wild card, but his physical presence will be crucial. Alongside Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa off the bench, the Knicks’ defensive strategy looks promising.
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