Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far

The Knicks</a> have some of the most raucous and passionate fans across all professional sports, and they are simply tired of being mired in mediocrity. The entire organization, from the owner James Dolan to the players and the equipment staff, is well aware of this fact and making an effort to change the franchise’s trajectory.</p> <h2>Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far</h2> <p>The y were very methodical during last year’s truncated offseason as the new regime entered the beginning stages of raising the franchise from the gutter of the NBA to the level of prominence and respectability it experienced through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. This offseason, the New York Knicks front office was more aggressive yet still strategic.</p> <p>Leon Rose and Co. went to work this offseason to build off of last season’s success without giving up too much long-term flexibility. Looking to improve the team’s offense, they brought in free agents <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/fournev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Evan Fournier</a> and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/walkeke02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Kemba Walker</a>.</p> <p>The front office re-signed almost every bench player from last season that entered free agency to preserve some continuity. The Knicks also added some long-term potential through the draft in Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, Rokas Jokubaitis, and Jericho Sims.</p> <p>To cap off a busy offseason, the front office rewarded Julius Randle for his improved play. Last season, Randle was named Most Improved Player and selected to his first All-Star game. Rose responded by offering Randle a four-year contract extension worth $117.09 million, locking him up through the 2024-45 season with a player option for the 2025-26 season.</p> <p>There’s still a lot of basketball left before the playoffs, but the Knicks are barely over .500 sitting at seventh place in the Eastern Conference with an 11-9 record. Overall, the team needs to play better, but let’s take a closer look at the key offseason moves and their impact on the team 20 games into the season, grading each move.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Nerlens Noel &amp; Alec Burks </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_438897" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-438897 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2245,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355198109.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks" width="3200" height="2245" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355198109.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355198109-768x539.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 23: RJ Barrett #9 and Nerlens Noel #3 of the New York Knicks box out DeAndre Jordan #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the free throw line in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far: Nerlens Noel: B-</h2> <p>Nerlens Noel proved his worth to Tom Thibodeau and earned a new contract with the Knicks last year after taking over the starting center job after the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson went down for the season. His contributions on the defensive side earned him a three-year deal worth $27.7 million this past offseason.</p> <p>The 27-year-old Kentucky product missed the first seven games of the season due to a left knee injury, and he played in four games before suffering an injury to his right knee, one that would force him to play with a knee brace when he returned to action.</p> <p>He’s only appeared in eight games this season but has made his presence felt when available. Noel is the defensive anchor of a bench unit that leads the league in blocks (2.9) and ranks ninth in steals (3.3) and eighth in rebounds (17) per game. He’s third on the Knicks in rebounding (6.4), and he leads the team in both blocks (1.6) as well as steals (1.3) per game.</p> <div class="embed "> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">ALEC BURKS SCORED 15 POINTS IN THE THIRD ♨️</p> <p>🎥 <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://twitter.com/nyknicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@nyknicks <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://t.co/XD9eBmefzO">pic.twitter.com/XD9eBmefzO

<p>— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://twitter.com/sny_knicks/status/1464779653386752005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>November 28, 2021</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <h2>Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far: Alec Burks: B+</h2> <p>Knicks fans were ecstatic when Alec Burks agreed to return to the Garden for three more years. In his first season with the Knicks, he proved to be a spark plug off the bench and clutch scorer.</p> <p>That has carried over to this season despite his usage rate dropping down to 18.1 percent this year. His scoring is down from 12.7 to 10.5 points per game, but he’s become more efficient. He’s shooting 45.1 percent on 4.6 3-point attempts this season, and his true shooting percentage is a career-best 59.8 percent.</p> <p>More importantly, Burks has been a clutch performer for the middling Knicks. His 4.7 points per game in the fourth quarter put him second on the team in fourth-quarter scoring and ranks ninth in the league among all players with at least 20 games played.</p> <p>The Knicks front office decided it wanted to keep the bench unit together after the way they began to gel last season, and so far, it’s paid off and in large part to Burks’ scoring and shot creation. The Knicks bench unit ranks third in the NBA, averaging 40.4 points per game.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Taj Gibson </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_435325" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-435325 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1143,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1233239654.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks" width="1600" height="1143" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1233239654.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1233239654-768x549.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 02: Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks and John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks battle for a loose ball in the third quarter during Game Five of the Eastern Conference first round series at Madison Square Garden on June 02, 2021 in New York City. 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 Wendell Cruz-Pool/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far: Taj Gibson: B</h2> <p>Taj Gibson helped solidify the Knicks frontcourt defense in Mitchell Robinson’s absence last year, and the Knicks rewarded him by re-signing him to a two-year deal worth $10 million.</p> <p>Gibson is a savvy veteran that brings that blue-collar Brooklyn toughness and work ethic to the team. He’s not the most talented player, but he’s a tough defender and rebounder, and he will never let anyone on the court outwork him.</p> <p>His work on the boards and the defensive end are is his bread and butter. He communicates and makes sure his teammates are in the right spots. He’s solid in the pick and roll and crashes the boards like a madman. According to Synergy Sports, he ranks in the 85th percentile defending pick and roll situations and 92nd percentile in overall defense.</p> <p>When Gibson is the closest defender, opponents are shooting just 28.9 percent on 83 field goal attempts. When he’s in the game, the Knicks hold opponents to a 98.7 offensive rating but that number balloons to 111.8 when he’s on the sidelines.</p> <p>With the oft-injured Robinson constantly in-and-out of the lineup the last couple of seasons, having frontcourt depth, specifically a player of Gibson’s skillset, is pertinent for a team that emphasizes defense.</p> <p>Gibson is only making five million this year, and although he’s missed some time dealing with a groin injury, he’s vastly outplaying his contract to start the season.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Evan Fournier </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_438082" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-438082 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1349300827.jpeg" alt="NBA" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1349300827.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1349300827-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 26: Evan Fournier #13 reacts with Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2021 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far: Evan Fournier: C-</h2> <p>If there was ever a model of inconsistency, it could very well be Evan Fournier. He’s been a streaky player his entire career, but this feels different. After averaging at least 17 points per game in four of the last five seasons, Fournier is averaging just 13.1 points and 1.8 assists per game, his lowest averages since the 2014-15 season. While he’s shooting a respectable 39.5 percent from three-point range on 6.5 attempts per game, Fournier is shooting an abysmal 40.7 percent from the field.</p> <p>According to Basketball-Reference, the Knicks offensive rating jumps from 107.8 when he’s on the court to 111.7 when he’s on the bench. Opponents are also less effective when he’s off the court as well. Opposing teams have a +9.5 ORTG when Fournier is on the court.</p> <p>As a result of his underwhelming play, Fournier has been benched for the entirety of the fourth quarter in 10 of 19 games. Of course, the stellar play of the bench unit (especially late in games) has played a role in these fourth-quarter benchings, but Fournier has to improve his play through the first three quarters if he’s going to see the court in close-out situations.</p> <p>It was always expected there would be some growing pains early in the seasons as Fournier and the other offseason acquisitions got acclimated to their new team. Still, through the first quarter of the season, things do not look any better than they did on day one, and it may be time to start shuffling the lineup.</p> <p>For now, the Knicks can hang their hat on the fact they got two second-round picks in the sign-and-trade deal that landed Fournier in New York.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Derrick Rose </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_438060" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-438060 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1351720304.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1351720304.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1351720304-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 05: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks talks with members of the Bucks bench as he walks down court during the game at Fiserv Forum on November 05, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Knicks defeated the Bucks 113-98. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far: Derrick Rose: A+</h2> <p>I’m still unsure if this says more about Derrick Rose or the rest of the team. We’ll let Knicks fans be the judge on that. Still, he’s the leader of one of the best bench units in the league.</p> <p>Even after all the injuries, Rose brings a ton of energy and that not many players, especially at age 33, can match. He’s an intelligent basketball player. Despite losing his athleticism, he still possesses some shiftiness and quickness as well as the basketball I.Q. to get to his spots and create open looks for himself and his teammates.</p> <div class="embed "><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/vCXeR2ebXzY?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>He’s improved his defense and his shooting. Rose is shooting career-highs from behind the arc (41.9 percent) and from the charity stripe (94.1 percent). He’s averaging 12 points in 22.9 minutes per game and has scored in double figures in 10 of his 17 appearances.</p> <p>He’s led numerous comebacks and helped keep the Knicks in games when the starting lineup has failed them (which has happened way too often this season).</p> <p>Rose’s value doesn’t just end on the court, though. He’s taken young players like Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin under his wing and has been a mentor to them, helping them navigate the NBA and keeping them confident and ready.</p> <p>When you factor in his leadership in the locker room and at practice in conjunction with his stellar play in games, Rose is worth far more than the $13.4 million the Knicks are paying him this season.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Kemba Walker </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_438123" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-438123 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1352159773.jpeg" alt="New York Knicks" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1352159773.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1352159773-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 08: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks looks on during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on November 08, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h2>Grading the New York Knicks offseason moves so far: Kemba Walker: D</h2> <p>Yes, it’s still early in the season, but Kemba Walker has proven to be possibly the worst offseason move by the Knicks. As always, he’s been a liability on the defensive end, but the issue is he hasn’t made up for it on the offensive side as he did in previous stops with the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.</p> <p>The Bronx native is supposed to be enjoying a homecoming of sorts, playing for his beloved hometown team. Instead, he is experiencing one of the worst statistical seasons of his NBA career.</p> <p>He’s been uncharacteristically inconsistent on offense, averaging a career-low 11.7 points per game and failing to score in double-figures in eight of his 18 appearances. His -122 is the worst plus/minus on the entire team. Of all the guards in the league with at least three years of NBA experience and at least 400 minutes played this season, only Terrance Ross has posted a worse plus-minus.</p> <p>To make matters worse, his playmaking for others has been mediocre at best. The Knicks brought in Walker to add playmaking and scoring from the point guard position, something the team severely lacked during the dog days of Elfrid Payton running the offense. Walker is also averaging a career-low 3.1 assist per game and has yet to dish out more than five assists in a single game.</p> <p>Walker is at the stage of his career where he’s probably best suited as the sixth man or lead guard off the bench. Unfortunately for both he and the Knicks, this roster isn’t built for him to play a bench role.</p> <p>The only thing stopping this acquisition from being graded an F right thus far is his contract value. While Walker’s play has been underwhelming through his first 18 games, his contract is still very “team-friendly” and should be easy to move.</p> <p>On the off chance the Knicks cannot find any suitors for Kemba before the trade deadline or even in the offseason, they can always waive him or buy out his contract as a last resort without eating much salary since he’s only owed approximately $9 million next year.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="NBA Power Rankings Week 6" data-url="http://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/nba-power-rankings-week-6-2/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/new-york-knicks-grading-offseason-2/"http://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/29/nba-power-rankings-week-6-2/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> NBA Power Rankings Week 6 </a> </div> </div><!—pageview_candidate—>">