The New York Knicks may be sellers at the deadline due to their recent slide, but at least they got some good news: Kristaps Porzingis is an All-Star.
According to reports from ESPN’s Ian Begley, the league is taking notice of the Knicks. Not necessarily taking notice of the Knicks’ recent play, but the players they might acquire from them. Begley is reporting that several teams are interested in three of the Knicks’ centers. No, Joakim Noah is not one of them.
Willy Hernangomez makes sense for a lot of teams because he’s young with a ton of upside and he has a favorable contract. In addition to the Spaniard, teams are also inquiring about Kyle O’Quinn. His defensive presence can be extremely valuable to a playoff teams’ second-unit and the Knicks would surely part ways with him for the right price. The last and possibly most difficult to trade would be Enes Kanter. His large contract with a player option after this season would be a lot for a team to take on given Kanter’s defensive deficiencies. But for a team looking for a tireless rebounder and a low post scorer, he could be a great fit.
Begley is also reporting that several teams are interested in Courtney Lee and Lance Thomas. It doesn’t sound like the Knicks are particularly motivated to move either of these veterans right now. It’s unclear what it would take to get the Knicks to move on from Lee or Thomas, but you can rest assured that if the losing continues, the Knicks front office will start listening to offers.
Kristaps Porzingis’ First All-Star Game
The Unicorn will be playing in his first ever All-Star Game come February. KP has spread his wings this season and is getting the recognition he deserves. He’s having a career year and although his scoring touch is his hallmark, he’s becoming a feared rim-protector.
The Knicks missed his inside presence as the Golden State Warriors dismantled the Knicks defense Tuesday night. The video doesn’t lie. The Knicks missed Porzingis last night in the worst way.
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports was the first to report on KP making his first All-Star Game.
New York Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis has been selected to the NBA Eastern Conference All-Star reserve team, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 23, 2018
Kevin Durant Speaks on Michael Beasley
Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley have known each other since their youth. Although they both looked poised to take over the NBA at one point, it hasn’t happened for Beasley the same way it has for Durant. There’s no doubt about it, Beasley has made mistakes, but this clip of Durant talking about Beasley’s journey really puts things into perspective.
Everyone makes mistakes and struggles in life. Unfortunately, Beasley had to do this on a very public stage. It would have been easier for him to give up, but he fought through adversity and is having a bit of a renaissance year in New York. Kudos to him for sticking with it and carving out his niche with the Knicks.
Video courtesy of the Athletic’s Anthony Slater:
Kevin Durant on Michael Beasley finding a place on the Knicks after a rough start to his career pic.twitter.com/8zE0mcTMQi
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 24, 2018
Other Knicks News, Stories
- Chip Murphy of ESNY tells us exactly why the Knicks need to avoid Jason Kidd at all costs.
- Although he has yet to garner consistent minutes, Trey Burke looks poised to seize his moment. ESNY’s Robby Sabo dissects the film.
