If we had to point out a problem in New York, it is clearly on the bench. No, it’s not coach Tom Thibodeau, even if some don’t think that the 66-year-old man, quite obtuse in his way of coaching and who has never won NBA titles, is truly the man of the situation. No, the real problem in New York is the depth of the bench, a key element to sustain over the long term over an NBA season and which, you read above, has already cost the Knicks their end of the 2023-24 season.
These bench problems are partly related to injuries. Among the players there to support the starters, Achiuwa, McBride et Robinson All three are in the infirmary. And the rest? Well, there’s not much and that’s what worries you. Moreover, New York is being talked about in the specialized NBA press because the Knicks are reportedly working to make a new trade by seeking Bobby Portis Jr among the Bucks. A champion with Milwauckee in 2021, Portis is considered one of the best sixth men in the League, exactly what New Yorkers need: “They need a quality 6th man and getting Bobby Portis is a good thing for the team and for the coach who is a fan of the short rotation“.
With such movements and such a quality workforce, the ambitions are clear in New York. But for our consultant, the gap with the very top of the basket is still there: “I think this season it will work for the Knicks because I think there is good chemistry. I am confident in the success of New York. I see them going to the conference finals but stopping there because Boston is still a cut above.“
In the meantime, the Knicks want to continue their winning streak. For this, they go to Utah, to face Jazz who have the worst record in the West (3-11) this Saturday. A meeting to follow live on Auvio tonight from 11 p.m.!
