It is a crucial year for the New York Knicks. After making the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years last season, the Knicks came into this season as one of the favorites to win the NBA championship.
They brought in Mike Brown as their head coach to fix their offense and unlock the pieces around Jalen Brunson. The coaching change has yielded positive results on that end.
New York currently ranks third in offensive rating, fifth in points per game and three-point makes, tenth in assists, and tenth in three-point percentage. The different ways that Brown is using Brunson have been a big reason for that, but the evolution of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby has also been a great development.
One spot, though, that the Knicks need more production from is with their big men, specifically from their reserve unit. There is one move they should make to give them more depth and production from their frontcourt.
New York must swap Mitchell Robinson for Mavs' Daniel Gafford
Robinson has been one of the Knicks’ more important players over the last couple seasons. His ability to crash the glass, be a tenacious defender, and be a ball of energy are qualities that New York has needed.
Robinson’s issue, though, is that he cannot stay healthy. He has not played more than 50 regular season games in three years and has dealt with multiple surgeries on his ankle and knees. Having that much of a wild card when it comes to their backup big spot is not ideal for the Knicks, so bringing in Gafford would help solve that.
Gafford brings the same qualities that Robinson does, but he is a better overall offensive threat. He is a better lob threat, has better touch around the rim, and is much better at the free-throw line, an area where Robinson’s struggles are well-documented.
Daniel Gafford will add another dimension to New York’s offense.
Brunson lives in the pick-and-roll, and he already has a good rapport with Karl-Anthony Towns in the pick-and-pop area. Gafford will give him a consistent roll partner, and he has shown that he can play with a dynamic guard like Brunson, as he was at his best when he played with Luka Doncic before he was traded.
New York would likely have to attach some second-round picks to Robinson to land Gafford, and with Dallas’ season heading in the wrong direction, it remains likely that they could be open for business when it comes to trades.