Rich Paul Says Knicks Are One Key Guard Away From Contending - And He Might Be Right
While the NBA rumor mill keeps spinning out blockbuster scenarios - including the ever-dreamy idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Knicks jersey - Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul is offering a more grounded, yet arguably more realistic, take on what New York needs to make a legitimate title push.
On a recent episode of The Ringer’s Game Over, Paul said the Knicks are just a “surface-level trade” away from entering the championship conversation. His focus? The guard spot.
It’s a sentiment that Knicks fans have been echoing for the better part of two seasons. While Jalen Brunson has been nothing short of phenomenal, the supporting cast behind him in the backcourt hasn’t quite held up its end of the bargain.
Brunson’s Brilliance - and the Burden That Comes With It
Let’s be clear: Jalen Brunson isn’t just playing well - he’s playing like the best point guard the Knicks have had since Walt “Clyde” Frazier. That’s not hyperbole. With two All-NBA nods, three top-12 MVP finishes, and three straight playoff runs that went at least to the conference semis, Brunson has elevated both his game and the franchise.
He’s averaging 26.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 48.5% from the field and nearly 40% from deep. Those are elite numbers, plain and simple.
But here’s the issue: The Knicks are leaning on him like he’s indestructible. The offense, the tempo, the shot creation - it all runs through Brunson. And when he’s off the floor, the drop-off is dramatic.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Without Brunson on the court, the Knicks’ offense sputters. They fall to the 48th percentile in points per 100 possessions (115.2), the 31st percentile in effective field goal percentage (53.1%), and the 72nd percentile in point differential (+4.5). Solid, but not elite.
Now compare that to when Brunson is in the game: 97th percentile in points per 100 possessions (127.8), 89th in effective field goal percentage (57.9%), and 91st in point differential (+11.7). That’s a massive swing - and a clear sign of how reliant this team is on one player.
The Backup Plan Needs a Backup Plan
The Knicks’ current options behind Brunson aren’t cutting it. Rookie Tyler Kolek has shown flashes, but he’s not ready to be the primary backup on a team with championship aspirations. In his absence, Josh Hart - a natural wing - has been asked to fill in as a secondary ball-handler.
Hart has done what he always does: compete, hustle, and give the team everything he has. But asking him to run the offense for extended stretches isn’t sustainable. It’s a band-aid, not a blueprint.
That’s where Rich Paul’s comment hits home. The Knicks don’t necessarily need a superstar guard. They need someone dependable - someone who can steady the ship when Brunson sits and keep the offense humming.
Who Could Fill the Void?
There are options out there. A veteran like Chris Paul, even in the twilight of his career, brings a level of poise and playmaking that could be invaluable in short spurts. He doesn’t need to be CP3 of old - he just needs to be a stabilizing force.
Or maybe it’s someone like Jose Alvarado, the kind of gritty, high-energy guard who can defend, hit the occasional three, and inject life into a second unit. He’s not flashy, but he fits the mold of a playoff-ready role player.
The Bottom Line
The Knicks don’t need to mortgage their future for a superstar to get over the hump. They already have their engine in Brunson.
What they need is someone who can keep things moving when he’s not on the floor. Rich Paul’s words might not have the sizzle of a Giannis trade rumor, but they carry weight - and they reflect what many around the league are seeing.
For a team that’s been knocking on the door, a smart, targeted move in the guard department might finally be the key to kicking it down.