For many years, the New York Knicks were a laughingstock throughout the basketball world, but lately, they have become a good team.
They have made the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, and they currently hold fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 33-18 record.
Several weeks ago, the Knicks traded for 3-and-D wing OG Anunoby, and on Thursday, just prior to the trade deadline, they landed sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic and another 3-and-D wing in Alec Burks.
On ESPN’s “Around The Horn,” New York-area-based sportswriter Frank Isola was effusive in his praise of Knicks management, as he gave the organization an A+ for its trade activity.
“The Knicks got better today. The Knicks, believe it or not, are going for it,” he said.
“The Knicks got better today. The Knicks – believe it or not – are going for it.”
New York gets an A+ grade at the trade deadline from @TheFrankIsola pic.twitter.com/ZvBBgLlVpU
— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) February 8, 2024
The Knicks may not be considered a true championship contender by some, even after Thursday’s trade, but at least now they’re better equipped to make a true run at reaching the NBA Finals, a place they haven’t been to since 1999.
Bogdanovic is averaging 20.2 points a game while shooting 41.5 percent from 3-point range on high volume this season, and while his scoring will likely decrease significantly in New York, he will still give his new team plenty of offensive juice.
Burks is also shooting over 40 percent from downtown this season, and the 6-foot-5 veteran previously played for the Knicks during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
The team ranks 15th in points per game and 14th in 3-point shooting accuracy, and those numbers will likely go up with its new additions.
This group likely won’t become an offensive juggernaut, but this Knicks team that wins with defense and muscle will now be better equipped to win when the score exceeds 130 points.
NEXT:
Magic Johnson Praises NBA GM For 1 Trade
