New York Knicks: The search for a closer opens up old wounds
By Eric Snyder
If the New York Knicks expect to be anything but NBA basement-dwellers they must find a closer. Years have flown by, but it’s the same old story in New York.
The New York Knicks‘ preseason mercifully ended Friday night, but the regular season won’t be much better. Management seems committed to its mismatched roster as Jeff Hornacek tries his best to add wins to his resume.
Following the Carmelo Anthony trade, it was clear the Knicks had no desire to win games this season. The additions of Enes Kanter and Doug McDermott spoke volumes about Steve Mills’ non-commitment to winning games…or playing defense.
At the same time, this team is full of players with plenty to prove this season. Kristaps Porzingis wants to prove he can stay healthy and be the franchise player everyone expects. Others like Michael Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and even Ramon Sessions seek to prove their worth for various reasons.
When Porzingis is on the floor and the Hornacek offense finds opens shooters, the Knicks will look like a real team. Yet, KP can’t avoid injuries and the roster is full of unproven (McDermott), overrated (Beasley) and outdated (Joakim Noah) players. Each game will flash potential, but closing games out will remain an issue for this roster.
The Porzingis problem
Kristaps Porzingis has the potential, skill and body to be a transcendant star in the NBA for years to come. If that statement is true, the only obstacle that can derail his trip to glory is his own body. Of course, KP has the ability to consistently close out games. But does he have the long-term durability of every other superstar in the league?
Assuming Porzingis is on the court does affect the New York Knicks’ ability to close out tight games in the clutch. His insane height paired with top-notch shooting and sneaky ball-handling makes him a matchup nightmare for every team. Yet, if Porzingis keeps missing games, team chemistry will be a major issue.
The Porzingis problem could apply to the rest of the league or it could apply to his own team. In both transition and half-court sets, the skill of Porzingis will win games for the Knicks. But those same offensive situations will be ineffective and inept without the Latvian superstar on the floor.
Everyone else on the Knicks, minus Porzingis, are mere role-players with heightened importance. Each of them, including Hardaway, need Porzingis on the court in order to impact the game.
The guards need KP to open up outside shots and the other bigs need him to absorb double-teams. In other words, if Porzingis isn’t on the floor, the Knicks have a very large problem.
Closing thoughts
It will be rare for the New York Knicks to be in a position to win games this season. Therefore, when opportunities arise, the team must take advantage of them. With or without Porzingis on the court, every player is paid to do a job and to win games.
Offensively, Frank Ntilikina is likely a few seasons away from being an impact player. Yet, closing out games isn’t just about scoring points. Holding leads is just as important as overcoming deficits because both lead to wins. Ntilikina has special ability, along with arms long enough to lay down the law on defense.
One of the many troubling issues with the New York Knicks is at the point guard position. Ramon Sessions, the expected starter, has experience, but Ron Baker may be the best playmaker on the team. Baker’s effort and heart can’t be questioned but he should never be the best playmaker on any NBA team.
Relying on Porzingis to dominate and close out games is a solid plan. However, KP can’t bring the ball up the floor, break a press or stop opposing guards off the dribble. In other words, Porzingis is only as good as the guards around him during late-game situations.
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Year after year, even with Carmelo, the Knicks failed to close out games and make playoff runs. Comparatively, this team has goals focused on attitude and energy, but not on winning or postseason success. In either case, closing out games will be a major problem for these New York Knicks.