The New York Knicks may be leaning toward continuity after winning an NBA Finals, but the roster still has a couple of spots that could be addressed before training camp. For now, the group is expected to look largely the same, with Mitchell Robinson the main notable departure.
Even so, there’s still a path for the Knicks to bring in another veteran or explore a trade. If they decide to add a role player with championship experience, Gary Payton II has been mentioned as a possible fit, especially for what he could bring on the defensive end.
“Gary Payton II would give New York the versatility they need off the bench. Right now, they are really relying on Jordan Clarkson as the only “forward” off the bench.
Payton can play the 1-3 and give them defense that would pair great next to some of their smaller guards. Adding someone with that level of versatility to a team that doesn’t feature much off the bench would be a great move,” Charles North wrote.
Payton’s value is tied to short, specific bursts, and that’s the kind of role Mike Brown was able to manage well a year ago. Brown made a number of the right calls in the playoffs, and a player like Payton would require that same kind of feel.
Offensively, Payton doesn’t bring much, which can be an issue. But he wouldn’t be as much of a liability as Robinson was at times. He’s not the kind of player who can be sent to the line and turn into a problem there, so that part of the equation doesn’t raise the same concerns.
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DeRozan is drawing interest from several places, including the Pistons, Raptors, Lakers and Trail Blazers, which gives this sweepstakes a broader feel than a simple one-team chase. For the Warriors, the real question is how their pursuit of LeBron James changes the rest of their board, because their interest in DeRozan appears tied to what happens at the top of it. [Read more 🡒]