A former top executive for the New York Knicks took some surprising shots at his former this week. Including some strong comments about All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
This has been a good season thus far for the Knicks. After reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, expectations were increased for the team this year. Especially after giving up a lot of talent and draft assets to bring in talented veterans Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.
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Heading into their game on Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers they own a 37-20 record, which is among the six best in the overall NBA standings. However, there are concerns about this season’s team. After dominant losses to the Celtics (twice) and the Cavaliers, there are big questions about whether the Knicks’ defense will sink their Finals aspirations later this year.
While they are among one of the best offensive teams in basketball, their defense has consistently failed them throughout the season. Especially against the East elites. It was something former Knicks general manager Scott Perry spoke about this week on the “Hoop Genius” podcast and explained why the team’s best two players are also their biggest weaknesses.
- New York Knicks record: 37-20
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns the New York Knicks’ biggest weakness?
“This was my concern going into the year and people haven’t talked loudly about this,” Perry began by saying. “Their best two players, KAT and Jalen Brunson. They are excellent offensive players. And that’s why they are one of the top offensive teams in the league. However, the game is played on both sides of the ball. And unfortunately for the Knicks, when you look at KAT he is probably a bottom-five defender at his position. You look at Jalen Brunson, probably another bottom-five defender at his position.
“So if your point of attack [point guard] is one of your weaker spots in your defensive personal grouping and you have a bottom-five guy protecting the rim it’s gonna be difficult to beat the very good teams in this league.”
Perry claimed that opposing teams are specifically targeting Towns and Brunson on defense, and it forcing Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges to have to help their teammates instead of focusing on their men. While they can win some games with their superior offense he thinks this will be a huge problem in the playoffs.
However, he did offer a ray of hope in the return of Mitchell Robinson. But he does explain it will take a long time for him to get in rhythm and build chemistry after missing nearly a year due to injury.
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