The Knicks entered the off-season knowing that to compete with teams like the Boston Celtics and a reinforced Philadelphia 76ers, they needed elite defense across the board. Relying solely on Donte DiVincenzo as a primary defender wasn’t going to be enough, but utilizing him as a key scorer off the bench was a better fit for his skill set.
Strengthening the Knicks’ Defense: OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges
To address their defensive needs, the Knicks made it a priority to extend OG Anunoby and acquire Mikal Bridges, solidifying two elite defensive wings who can guard both forwards and guards. Anunoby’s size allows him to match up against dominant players like Joel Embiid, while Bridges brings flexibility and versatility, capable of locking down players like Paul George. These acquisitions are part of the Knicks’ strategy to shut down top scorers across the league.
“I think the league overall has shifted. Your 2s, 3s, and 4s are more wing-oriented now. Guys who can guard four positions – or in some cases, we’ve got guys who can guard all five – allow you to do a lot more switching.” – Tom Thibodeau said in a recent Q&A.
Thibodeau’s Vision: Versatility and Defensive Depth
Head coach Tom Thibodeau recently shared insights into how the Knicks plan to utilize Anunoby and Bridges, along with the role of Josh Hart coming off the bench.
“What it adds to us is the versatility of both, allowing us to give different looks to a primary ball handler. We’ve been playing Donte [DiVincenzo] on those guys to start. Now we can come after that with Bridges, then OG, then Hart. We can constantly change up our look for who’s guarding that ball handler. Also, OG and Hart are very disruptive off the ball, so I like to use them that way. The versatility of the defense will be a big thing for us.”
Hart, one of the team’s most underrated players, was an energizer last season. While his minutes may decrease with the new roster additions, he remains a critical part of the defense, offering tremendous playmaking ability. He’s not an elite scorer but excels at doing the dirty work and is one of the best rebounding small forwards in basketball.
Anunoby and Bridges: Defensive Anchors
The Knicks signed OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million deal for a reason, leaning on his career 110.6 defensive rating. Last year, Anunoby posted a career-high 116.6 rating, but this number should improve after a full season in New York. Meanwhile, Bridges carries a career 113.3 defensive rating, with a 117.9 mark from his time with Brooklyn last season.
Both Anunoby and Bridges have been in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation before, and if the Knicks can tap into that level of potential, they will be a defensive force that few teams can overcome. Opponents will have a tough time maintaining consistent offensive production against the Knicks’ deep defensive rotation.
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Playoff Hopes Rest on Defense and Brunson’s Leadership
With Jalen Brunson expected to have another standout season, the Knicks have a real chance to make a deep playoff run. Their defensive quality, bolstered by Anunoby, Bridges, and Hart, will be the foundation of their success. As long as the team can execute Thibodeau’s vision of versatile and disruptive defense, they will be a tough contender in the Eastern Conference playoffs.