What do the Knicks think about their roster? We’ll find out by 3 p.m. on Thursday.
But late Wednesday night, less than 24 hours from the trade deadline, the current Knicks roster got an endorsement from the best player on the planet.
“Really good,” Nikola Jokic said of the Knicks. “Probably one of the best teams in the league.”
The Knicks have won eight in a row entering the trade deadline. Wednesday’s win is probably the most impressive of the streak.
On the second game of a back-to-back, the Knicks beat Denver in double overtime.
Jalen Brunson had 42 points, making the right decision when the Nuggets sent two defenders at him late in the game.
The Knicks obviously needed Brunson’s scoring on Wednesday. But they don’t get the win without strong contributions from OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Landry Shamet. Jordan Clarkson has been out of the rotation. He started against Denver and finished with 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
Shamet, who ranks ninth in three-point field goal percentage, hit two key threes late in the game.
It was a team win in the truest sense.
“That’s a good team, a talented team,” Jokic said after the game.
Will it be the same team after Thursday’s trade deadline? Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado remains on the Knicks' radar. The Knicks have also been in touch with teams about reserve big men. They had dialogue with Phoenix about Nick Richards. They’ve also seen Yves Missi as a potential target.
On Missi in particular, the Knicks may not be able to compete with other teams targeting him. The Pacers are among the teams that have been in on Missi; given the interest in the young center, New Orleans can probably net significant draft capital if they decide to move him.
The Knicks have seven second-round picks (nine if you include the Washington pick, which is likely to convey as two second-rounders).
They were able to flip Guerschon Yabusele for Dalen Terry without surrendering any of that draft capital. Given the market for dumping contracts (see Charlotte and Tyus Jones), it seemed like the Knicks would have to attach a draft pick to move Yabusele. The fact that they got the deal done without surrendering a pick will surprise some opposing execs.
Do the Knicks have another move that will surprise their peers? We’ll find out soon.
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Knicks trading PF/C Guerschon Yabusele to Bulls for Dalen Terry