I think Hukporti starts in Westchester, and Skapintsev may beat out Sims. They seem to like Sims but I'm not sure why. Unless he has improved ]enough to play the 4 as well as the 5, which would be pretty shocking, I think he's kind a fun player to watch but not actually, you know, good. At least, not good at the things the Knicks need him to do.
versatile big, wont have to play the 4 on this team which hurt the Knicks last year, if he can hit the 3 at maybe a 35% clip he vould close some games over Mitch..
I think Precious could be a valuable piece vs Boston becausr of Porzingis and the abikity to switch everything..
I think Hukporti starts in Westchester, and Skapintsev may beat out Sims. They seem to like Sims but I'm not sure why.
Agree with this. In SL, Skap looked like he could be a viable backup C. Also agree that they like Sims, but he just seems to lack defensive positioning instincts. Hukporti starts out in Westchester for sure, he's quite raw.
Jeremy Cohen
@TheCohencidence
The Achiuwa signing means the Knicks have less salary to send out in any trade this summer. Want KAT? Have to add Hart or DiVincenzo to Randle AND Robinson. Want anyone making $20M+? Hart or DiVincenzo goes out. Not happening.
Normally when a player signs a 1 year deal with Bird rights they get an automatic no trade clause, he is waiving it, interrsting
they probably gave him an extra $1-$2 million to do so.
There's this idea out there on the web that the Knicks might pay Achiuwa more than he'd get on the open market to make him a more useful trade piece later on. More money on his deal means he can be traded for a more expensive player down the road. The fact that he waived his no-trade clause suggests that is the strategy.
RE: RE: RE: Fred Katz said he has waived his bird veto
Normally when a player signs a 1 year deal with Bird rights they get an automatic no trade clause, he is waiving it, interrsting
they probably gave him an extra $1-$2 million to do so.
There's this idea out there on the web that the Knicks might pay Achiuwa more than he'd get on the open market to make him a more useful trade piece later on. More money on his deal means he can be traded for a more expensive player down the road. The fact that he waived his no-trade clause suggests that is the strategy.
This front office has their shit together with cap management and how to work the system
RE: RE: RE: Fred Katz said he has waived his bird veto
There's this idea out there on the web that the Knicks might pay Achiuwa more than he'd get on the open market to make him a more useful trade piece later on. More money on his deal means he can be traded for a more expensive player down the road. The fact that he waived his no-trade clause suggests that is the strategy. [/quote]
I don't get the obsession that people have with connecting KAT to the Knicks. I makes zero sense to me. We'd have to send out Randle and other key players. Randle? Fine, I get that as he is not signed long term. However, once you start adding all these other players it makes no sense. We'll be creating more holes just to fill one and then pay him a shit ton. No thanks.
I don't get the obsession that people have with connecting KAT to the Knicks. I makes zero sense to me. We'd have to send out Randle and other key players. Randle? Fine, I get that as he is not signed long term. However, once you start adding all these other players it makes no sense. We'll be creating more holes just to fill one and then pay him a shit ton. No thanks.
Hartenstein is a good player, and he came up big the second half of last season filling in for Mitch and taking on some of the offensive load without Randle, but he’s gotten to be a bit overrated by the national media for a couple of reasons. The first being lolknicks, second being the contract which was way above market value since OKC had to convince him to leave NY.
Realistically though, is he even a top 15 center in the league? He’s a nice player but it’s not like we are losing Patrick Ewing here. Health is the big question mark, as it is with most big men, but the drop off from Hartenstein to Mitch isn’t significant, and if backup C is the one question mark on the roster then you’re in great shape.
'The dropoff from hartenstein to mitch isnt significant'
First we have to agree on what the player is. Hartenstein is significantly more valuable on the offensive end than mitch.
Better free throw shooter
Can score from 10-15, under the rim, short range, and has demonstrated a 3 point shot in his career
Skilled passer and offensive initiator. Good offensive chemistry/two-man game with brunson.
Mitch is purely a defensive force and relentless rebounder.
Could you name 14 other centers you believe to be better? Its not a loaded position in the league.
After that I'm really not sure. When you combine the rebounding, passing, floater, shot blocking and hustle I'm not sure who in the next tier is CLEARLY better.
He's in the mix with:
Turner
Gobert
Lopez
Allen
So that's 9-15 range imo.
RE: 'The dropoff from hartenstein to mitch isnt significant'
First we have to agree on what the player is. Hartenstein is significantly more valuable on the offensive end than mitch.
Better free throw shooter
Can score from 10-15, under the rim, short range, and has demonstrated a 3 point shot in his career
Skilled passer and offensive initiator. Good offensive chemistry/two-man game with brunson.
Mitch is purely a defensive force and relentless rebounder.
Could you name 14 other centers you believe to be better? Its not a loaded position in the league.
Jokic, Embiid, Davis, Bam, Sabonis, Wemby, Chet, Gobert, Porzingis, Sengun, Jarrett Allen, Lopez, Turner are all pretty clearly better players than iHart. He had an up and down year last year but DeAndre Ayton is still probably the better player
Then that brings you to guys like Claxton, Lively, Nurkic, that are probably in the same iHart tier depending on what your team needs from the position.
would take Ayton over iHart right now. The Blazers literally drafted another center in the top 10 because Ayton sucks so much.
Yeah, Ayton is a tough one to evaluate at this point. That Blazers team was a mess last year, but I wouldn't look at them drafting Clingan as any indication of what they think about Ayton moreso than him just being the best player available in a weak draft.
Ayton's counting stats were good last year, in a year that he "sucks so much" he still put up 17-11, and since free throw percentage was brought up about iHart he shot over 80% from the line. His advanced stats were the lowest of his career with only a .106 WS/48, PER of 18.9, BPM of 0.3, etc.
With that said, none of those are terrible, and it's still too early to just say Ayton stinks now. Maybe it was just an off year adjusting to a new situation.
Is a good player and definitely a top 15 center. He’s better than Ayton- by a lot.
But I do think he is replaceable for the Knicks. Lineups with Randle at the 5 is going unlock some great offense and they still be able to hold up on D. I also think they can find the next Hartenstein at some point.
Let’s not forget he was abused by Embiid and did not have a great playoffs.
Part of the reason that a good backup at center is important is
would take Ayton over iHart right now. The Blazers literally drafted another center in the top 10 because Ayton sucks so much.
Yeah, Ayton is a tough one to evaluate at this point. That Blazers team was a mess last year, but I wouldn't look at them drafting Clingan as any indication of what they think about Ayton moreso than him just being the best player available in a weak draft.
Ayton's counting stats were good last year, in a year that he "sucks so much" he still put up 17-11, and since free throw percentage was brought up about iHart he shot over 80% from the line. His advanced stats were the lowest of his career with only a .106 WS/48, PER of 18.9, BPM of 0.3, etc.
With that said, none of those are terrible, and it's still too early to just say Ayton stinks now. Maybe it was just an off year adjusting to a new situation.
The counting stats have always been pretty good, which is what landed him that max deal. But if you peel back the onion just a little bit he plays absolutely 0 defense and seems to just lack any sort of intensity on either end. The Suns couldn't wait to get rid of him and the Blazers already drafted his replacement which I think says a lot.
Part of the reason that a good backup at center is important is
Be was good when he was here but I guess people forget the playoffs. He sucked. He couldn't compete with Embiid at all and had one good game in Indy. I don't care about the numbers. It's about the fit. Mitch is a better fit for this squad and coach. In order for Thibs to run his defense he needs a defensive presence. We are so consumed with Mitch's weaknesses that we focus too much on the offense. How do the Knicks win? It is with good defense and rebounding. IHart couldn't provide that when it mattered. He had a hell of a run when Mitch was injured during the regular season but hurt us in the playoffs. If Mitch never came back, we do not get past Philly. We have enough offense with the guys we have now. Yes, a stretch 5 would be great. But guys like Turner don't grow on trees where they provide both defense and outside shooting. As long as we have that anchor in the middle, this team is perfectly fine. The key is getting that guy, not an offensive threat.
now that IHart is gone we're saying he wasn't a top 10 center in the league. You may like Sengun and Sabonis's offensive game better, but IHart was great for this team. His defense and his ability to run the high pick and roll were things we relied on later in the season.
There's no doubt that this team will be better with a healthy Julius, OG and adding Bridges, but I am concerned with the lack of size on the roster, especially with Mitch's inability to stay healthy.
If Thibs remains inflexible and needs to run a center out with most all lineups, I think that we're a Mitch injury away from being a worst team.
now that IHart is gone we're saying he wasn't a top 10 center in the league. You may like Sengun and Sabonis's offensive game better, but IHart was great for this team. His defense and his ability to run the high pick and roll were things we relied on later in the season.
There's no doubt that this team will be better with a healthy Julius, OG and adding Bridges, but I am concerned with the lack of size on the roster, especially with Mitch's inability to stay healthy.
If Thibs remains inflexible and needs to run a center out with most all lineups, I think that we're a Mitch injury away from being a worst team.
Has this regime not shown to be great at what they do? Are we concerned right now? Yes, but only because we need to have another body. Are we concerned that this regime will not get someome? Hell no.
The C position for the Knicks might be this simple
to beat the drum for trading for Kessler or Duren. Very different skill sets but those are the two guys that would make me feel really confident about the team top to bottom heading into the season.
to beat the drum for trading for Kessler or Duren. Very different skill sets but those are the two guys that would make me feel really confident about the team top to bottom heading into the season.
Agreed but these things take time. There is no rush right now. Everyone seems to want to have the full roster yesterday. This regime is going to do what is right for the Knicks. I think this could go to the trade deadline or even further with vet buyouts.
a top tier center but it is frustrating that instead of adding to what we already had we've taken a step back at that position. And we have limited paths to acquiring one without trading something or someone we want to keep. Even if OG or Randle can hold their own defensively guarding bigs, we're going to miss the rim protection and rebounding on both ends.
you woukd really need Mitch against to beat, but we also saw OG hold his own against Embiid last year..
The tough part with Philly this year is going to be PG because its not going to be able to just help off a tobias Harris to double Embiid and PG will make you pay from 3..
The interesting thing to watch with Philly is their hierarchy, i think all 3 can play off of each other because they can all shoot the 3 and play carch and shoot, the interesting thing will be can Maxxey run the offense where he is setting guys up..
The goal doesn't have to be to be better than every other team at the C position. The goal needs to be to have guys that don't get abused by the opponent and can allow your team to function the way it is intended. Back in the 90s, that was such a golden age for Cs yet the Bulls never had that dominant C. So, what do we need to be functional? It is really as simple as being able to play defense and rebound. Anything extra like IHart's passing was icing on the cake. Defense and rebounding are non-negotiables. If we play a team like Boston, I agree with playing small ball because Porzingis isn't going to be banging down low. He's going to hit 3s with the occasional drive to the hoop.
Mitch has seemingly regressed so far on offense that he's become borderline unplayable at the end of games IMO. The free throw shooting has gone from bad to worse. His hands suck. And he just doesn't finish around he rim like he used to. iHart mitigated all of that.
I don't think that the sky is falling or that we won't be able to acquire someone that will allow Thibs to play rotations the way he wants them. My only point is that trying to downplay the role that IHart played on this teams success, especially later in the season, is disingenuous.
I think that the roster is more talented than last season, but probably less balanced. That all can change if they trade for someone or whatever. But I think this is probably the team that they roll into the season with and try to let Thibs figure it out.
I'm really optimistic about this team for the coming season. Really interested in seeing the rotations and getting these players to gel. But knowing what we know about Thibs, the backup center is going to get minutes and Precious is a clear downgrade from IHart.
I don't think that the sky is falling or that we won't be able to acquire someone that will allow Thibs to play rotations the way he wants them. My only point is that trying to downplay the role that IHart played on this teams success, especially later in the season, is disingenuous.
I think that the roster is more talented than last season, but probably less balanced. That all can change if they trade for someone or whatever. But I think this is probably the team that they roll into the season with and try to let Thibs figure it out.
I'm really optimistic about this team for the coming season. Really interested in seeing the rotations and getting these players to gel. But knowing what we know about Thibs, the backup center is going to get minutes and Precious is a clear downgrade from IHart.
I don't disagree but all true basketball fans know that the playoffs are completely different than the regular season. In the regular season IHart was phenomenal. In the playoffs against Embiid and with the spacing and movement of Indy, he was flat out bad. Long story short, it would have been great to keep him but it isn't a crippling thing not to have him back.
I don't think that the sky is falling or that we won't be able to acquire someone that will allow Thibs to play rotations the way he wants them. My only point is that trying to downplay the role that IHart played on this teams success, especially later in the season, is disingenuous.
I think that the roster is more talented than last season, but probably less balanced. That all can change if they trade for someone or whatever. But I think this is probably the team that they roll into the season with and try to let Thibs figure it out.
I'm really optimistic about this team for the coming season. Really interested in seeing the rotations and getting these players to gel. But knowing what we know about Thibs, the backup center is going to get minutes and Precious is a clear downgrade from IHart.
iHart was awesome in his role last year, it is also a role doesn't really exist on this team anymore. The only reason Hartenstein played the role he did was because there were no better options. For as good as Hart, Divencenzo, OG are, none of them are guys you are going to rely on to take the playmaking/facilitating burden off of Brunson's shoulders. They didn't even have that in Deuce as the back up PG.
With Randle back, and guys like Bridges, Payne, and Kolek added to the rotation you have other options to facilitate the offense when Brunson is on the bench or needs someone to take the pressure off. What this team needs at the center position is someone to do the dirty work, rebounding, anchor the defense, etc. Honestly Mitch is the ideal fit, you just have to hope he is healthy come the playoffs.
to play a lot of Randle at the 5 especially to close halves and games, i think with the perimiter defense this team is going to habe you can get away with it and offensively they are going to be almost impossible to guard with the shooting and floor spacing
RE: Honestly, I don't care where people rank IHart.
Be was good when he was here but I guess people forget the playoffs. He sucked. He couldn't compete with Embiid at all and had one good game in Indy. I don't care about the numbers. It's about the fit. Mitch is a better fit for this squad and coach. In order for Thibs to run his defense he needs a defensive presence. We are so consumed with Mitch's weaknesses that we focus too much on the offense. How do the Knicks win? It is with good defense and rebounding. IHart couldn't provide that when it mattered. He had a hell of a run when Mitch was injured during the regular season but hurt us in the playoffs. If Mitch never came back, we do not get past Philly. We have enough offense with the guys we have now. Yes, a stretch 5 would be great. But guys like Turner don't grow on trees where they provide both defense and outside shooting. As long as we have that anchor in the middle, this team is perfectly fine. The key is getting that guy, not an offensive threat.
to play a lot of Randle at the 5 especially to close halves and games, i think with the perimiter defense this team is going to habe you can get away with it and offensively they are going to be almost impossible to guard with the shooting and floor spacing
This would be my preference honestly. Julius should be able to play passably on defense with Bridges and OG on the floor guarding the perimeter.
You'll likely have to wait until February for that to happen.
@wojespn
Precious Achiuwa has agreed on a one-year, $6 million deal to return to the Knicks, his representative Raymond Brothers tells ESPN.
Knicks Current Roster:
PG — Brunson, McBride, Payne
SG — Bridges, DiVincenzo, Kolek
SF — Anunoby, Dadiet, Bates-Diop
PF — Randle, Hart
C — Robinson, Achiuwa, Sims, Hukporti
Knicks Current Roster:
PG — Brunson, McBride, Payne
SG — Bridges, DiVincenzo, Kolek
SF — Anunoby, Dadiet, Bates-Diop
PF — Randle, Hart
C — Robinson, Achiuwa, Sims, Hukporti
I think Precious could be a valuable piece vs Boston becausr of Porzingis and the abikity to switch everything..
Agree with this. In SL, Skap looked like he could be a viable backup C. Also agree that they like Sims, but he just seems to lack defensive positioning instincts. Hukporti starts out in Westchester for sure, he's quite raw.
BINGO.
@TheCohencidence
The Achiuwa signing means the Knicks have less salary to send out in any trade this summer. Want KAT? Have to add Hart or DiVincenzo to Randle AND Robinson. Want anyone making $20M+? Hart or DiVincenzo goes out. Not happening.
Makes a Randle extension more likely imo as well
they probably gave him an extra $1-$2 million to do so.
Quote:
Normally when a player signs a 1 year deal with Bird rights they get an automatic no trade clause, he is waiving it, interrsting
they probably gave him an extra $1-$2 million to do so.
Quote:
In comment 16564151 nygiants16 said:
Quote:
Normally when a player signs a 1 year deal with Bird rights they get an automatic no trade clause, he is waiving it, interrsting
they probably gave him an extra $1-$2 million to do so.
There's this idea out there on the web that the Knicks might pay Achiuwa more than he'd get on the open market to make him a more useful trade piece later on. More money on his deal means he can be traded for a more expensive player down the road. The fact that he waived his no-trade clause suggests that is the strategy.
This front office has their shit together with cap management and how to work the system
This generation’s Herb Williams.
I don't get the obsession that people have with connecting KAT to the Knicks. I makes zero sense to me. We'd have to send out Randle and other key players. Randle? Fine, I get that as he is not signed long term. However, once you start adding all these other players it makes no sense. We'll be creating more holes just to fill one and then pay him a shit ton. No thanks.
Quote:
Hell no to KAT.
I don't get the obsession that people have with connecting KAT to the Knicks. I makes zero sense to me. We'd have to send out Randle and other key players. Randle? Fine, I get that as he is not signed long term. However, once you start adding all these other players it makes no sense. We'll be creating more holes just to fill one and then pay him a shit ton. No thanks.
And this is me agreeing with you. Lol.
I wouldn’t trade Randle straight up for KAT.
KAT
From our playoff team:
We "traded" Hartenstein, Bojan, and Burks
We "received" Randle, Bridges, Payne
..and then have the new draft picks as well
Seems like a pretty big upgrade to me.
Just classic Knicks for clicks nonsense.
From our playoff team:
We "traded" Hartenstein, Bojan, and Burks
We "received" Randle, Bridges, Payne
..and then have the new draft picks as well
Seems like a pretty big upgrade to me.
Hartenstein is a good player, and he came up big the second half of last season filling in for Mitch and taking on some of the offensive load without Randle, but he’s gotten to be a bit overrated by the national media for a couple of reasons. The first being lolknicks, second being the contract which was way above market value since OKC had to convince him to leave NY.
Realistically though, is he even a top 15 center in the league? He’s a nice player but it’s not like we are losing Patrick Ewing here. Health is the big question mark, as it is with most big men, but the drop off from Hartenstein to Mitch isn’t significant, and if backup C is the one question mark on the roster then you’re in great shape.
First we have to agree on what the player is. Hartenstein is significantly more valuable on the offensive end than mitch.
Better free throw shooter
Can score from 10-15, under the rim, short range, and has demonstrated a 3 point shot in his career
Skilled passer and offensive initiator. Good offensive chemistry/two-man game with brunson.
Mitch is purely a defensive force and relentless rebounder.
Could you name 14 other centers you believe to be better? Its not a loaded position in the league.
Bam
AD
Embiid
Jokic
Sabonis
KP
Sengun
After that I'm really not sure. When you combine the rebounding, passing, floater, shot blocking and hustle I'm not sure who in the next tier is CLEARLY better.
He's in the mix with:
Turner
Gobert
Lopez
Allen
So that's 9-15 range imo.
First we have to agree on what the player is. Hartenstein is significantly more valuable on the offensive end than mitch.
Better free throw shooter
Can score from 10-15, under the rim, short range, and has demonstrated a 3 point shot in his career
Skilled passer and offensive initiator. Good offensive chemistry/two-man game with brunson.
Mitch is purely a defensive force and relentless rebounder.
Could you name 14 other centers you believe to be better? Its not a loaded position in the league.
Jokic, Embiid, Davis, Bam, Sabonis, Wemby, Chet, Gobert, Porzingis, Sengun, Jarrett Allen, Lopez, Turner are all pretty clearly better players than iHart. He had an up and down year last year but DeAndre Ayton is still probably the better player
Then that brings you to guys like Claxton, Lively, Nurkic, that are probably in the same iHart tier depending on what your team needs from the position.
Yeah, Ayton is a tough one to evaluate at this point. That Blazers team was a mess last year, but I wouldn't look at them drafting Clingan as any indication of what they think about Ayton moreso than him just being the best player available in a weak draft.
Ayton's counting stats were good last year, in a year that he "sucks so much" he still put up 17-11, and since free throw percentage was brought up about iHart he shot over 80% from the line. His advanced stats were the lowest of his career with only a .106 WS/48, PER of 18.9, BPM of 0.3, etc.
With that said, none of those are terrible, and it's still too early to just say Ayton stinks now. Maybe it was just an off year adjusting to a new situation.
But I do think he is replaceable for the Knicks. Lineups with Randle at the 5 is going unlock some great offense and they still be able to hold up on D. I also think they can find the next Hartenstein at some point.
Let’s not forget he was abused by Embiid and did not have a great playoffs.
Quote:
would take Ayton over iHart right now. The Blazers literally drafted another center in the top 10 because Ayton sucks so much.
Yeah, Ayton is a tough one to evaluate at this point. That Blazers team was a mess last year, but I wouldn't look at them drafting Clingan as any indication of what they think about Ayton moreso than him just being the best player available in a weak draft.
Ayton's counting stats were good last year, in a year that he "sucks so much" he still put up 17-11, and since free throw percentage was brought up about iHart he shot over 80% from the line. His advanced stats were the lowest of his career with only a .106 WS/48, PER of 18.9, BPM of 0.3, etc.
With that said, none of those are terrible, and it's still too early to just say Ayton stinks now. Maybe it was just an off year adjusting to a new situation.
The counting stats have always been pretty good, which is what landed him that max deal. But if you peel back the onion just a little bit he plays absolutely 0 defense and seems to just lack any sort of intensity on either end. The Suns couldn't wait to get rid of him and the Blazers already drafted his replacement which I think says a lot.
There's no doubt that this team will be better with a healthy Julius, OG and adding Bridges, but I am concerned with the lack of size on the roster, especially with Mitch's inability to stay healthy.
If Thibs remains inflexible and needs to run a center out with most all lineups, I think that we're a Mitch injury away from being a worst team.
There's no doubt that this team will be better with a healthy Julius, OG and adding Bridges, but I am concerned with the lack of size on the roster, especially with Mitch's inability to stay healthy.
If Thibs remains inflexible and needs to run a center out with most all lineups, I think that we're a Mitch injury away from being a worst team.
Has this regime not shown to be great at what they do? Are we concerned right now? Yes, but only because we need to have another body. Are we concerned that this regime will not get someome? Hell no.
To beat Philly you're going to need Mitch.
Without taking anything away from NYK, let us not forget how injured, yet still problematic, Embiid was in the opening round this year.
For this reason alone, if I had to choose a center to keep, it's probably Mitch.
Agreed but these things take time. There is no rush right now. Everyone seems to want to have the full roster yesterday. This regime is going to do what is right for the Knicks. I think this could go to the trade deadline or even further with vet buyouts.
The tough part with Philly this year is going to be PG because its not going to be able to just help off a tobias Harris to double Embiid and PG will make you pay from 3..
The interesting thing to watch with Philly is their hierarchy, i think all 3 can play off of each other because they can all shoot the 3 and play carch and shoot, the interesting thing will be can Maxxey run the offense where he is setting guys up..
I think that the roster is more talented than last season, but probably less balanced. That all can change if they trade for someone or whatever. But I think this is probably the team that they roll into the season with and try to let Thibs figure it out.
I'm really optimistic about this team for the coming season. Really interested in seeing the rotations and getting these players to gel. But knowing what we know about Thibs, the backup center is going to get minutes and Precious is a clear downgrade from IHart.
I think that the roster is more talented than last season, but probably less balanced. That all can change if they trade for someone or whatever. But I think this is probably the team that they roll into the season with and try to let Thibs figure it out.
I'm really optimistic about this team for the coming season. Really interested in seeing the rotations and getting these players to gel. But knowing what we know about Thibs, the backup center is going to get minutes and Precious is a clear downgrade from IHart.
I don't disagree but all true basketball fans know that the playoffs are completely different than the regular season. In the regular season IHart was phenomenal. In the playoffs against Embiid and with the spacing and movement of Indy, he was flat out bad. Long story short, it would have been great to keep him but it isn't a crippling thing not to have him back.
Even vs the Pacers he really struggled
I think that the roster is more talented than last season, but probably less balanced. That all can change if they trade for someone or whatever. But I think this is probably the team that they roll into the season with and try to let Thibs figure it out.
I'm really optimistic about this team for the coming season. Really interested in seeing the rotations and getting these players to gel. But knowing what we know about Thibs, the backup center is going to get minutes and Precious is a clear downgrade from IHart.
iHart was awesome in his role last year, it is also a role doesn't really exist on this team anymore. The only reason Hartenstein played the role he did was because there were no better options. For as good as Hart, Divencenzo, OG are, none of them are guys you are going to rely on to take the playmaking/facilitating burden off of Brunson's shoulders. They didn't even have that in Deuce as the back up PG.
With Randle back, and guys like Bridges, Payne, and Kolek added to the rotation you have other options to facilitate the offense when Brunson is on the bench or needs someone to take the pressure off. What this team needs at the center position is someone to do the dirty work, rebounding, anchor the defense, etc. Honestly Mitch is the ideal fit, you just have to hope he is healthy come the playoffs.
Great post, as usual from you. Spot on.
This would be my preference honestly. Julius should be able to play passably on defense with Bridges and OG on the floor guarding the perimeter.