New York Knicks: 5 takeaways from 7-game road trip

PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 26: Enes Kanter #00 and Doug McDermott #20 of the New York Knicks celebrate after scoring against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 26: Enes Kanter #00 and Doug McDermott #20 of the New York Knicks celebrate after scoring against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 26, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
New York Knicks: 5 takeaways from seven-game road trip
Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images /

1. Defense remains an issue

When taking a look at some season-long stats defensively, the Knicks don’t grade out too poorly. While they are 18th in points allowed per game, they are eighth in opponent field goal percentage and right in the middle of the pack at No. 15 in opponent 3-point percentage. However, they are 23rd in defensive rating, according to Basketball-Reference, and that was evident during the road trip.

The Knicks were absolutely lit up on multiple occasions this road trip. Their streak of allowing 100 points reached 10 consecutive games before being snapped against the Suns. They allowed 130 points to the Nuggets and 127 against the young Los Angeles Lakers.

The Nets in the opener of the road trip and the Suns in the finale were the only teams to shoot below 45 percent against the Knicks. Three teams shot at least 55 percent, which essentially negates any positives the Knicks had against the Nets and Suns defensively.

There were rumors during the trip that the Knicks are in the market for an athletic wing player. It is clear the Knicks need some help defensively, and adding another defensive-minded wing to take pressure off of Courtney Lee makes sense.

The question remains, however: Will they look to make a move for that kind of player now, or wait until the offseason to sign a free agent? The four games next week will be a huge factor in that decision.

Next: NBA Power Rankings: Week 15

Right now, the Knicks are 4.5 games out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They are just as close to being in the bottom five of the league. Where the Knicks are this time next week in the standings will probably determine whether or not they look for an upgrade this season, or trade away pieces to try and clean up the cap space for the offseason.