The New York Knicks have to make a few big decisions down the stretch to determine what direction the team is going to head down. Ultimately, Tom Thibodeau’s squad misses a scoring big man, rolling with Nerlens Noel and Mitchell Robinson this season, despite a lack of production in the scoring department. While the pair offers solid rebounding and defensive capabilities, it puts a ton of pressure on Julius Randle and the starters to pick up the slack.
Finding a scoring center who can also dominate the boards is ideal, which is why Indiana Pacers’ big man Myles Turner has been connected to the Knicks in the past. Knicks’ president Leon Rose was intrigued by the prospect of trading for Turner this past off-season, but they have another opportunity to execute a trade this season at the deadline for the starting center.
Luckily for New York, Turner has already indicated that he’s unhappy with his role in Indiana, stating he wants more responsibility and the chance to be a star.
“It’s clear that I’m not valued as anything more than a glorified role player here, and I want something more, more opportunity,â€Â Turner told The Athletic.
Turner has the capabilities to be an elite scorer, but his defensive attributes also stand out as a primary strength.
“I’m trying really hard to make the role that I’m given here work and find a way to maximize it. I’ve been trying to the past two, three seasons,†Turner said. “But it’s clear to me that, just numbers-wise, I’m not valued as more than a rotational role player, and I hold myself in a higher regard than that.â€
Myles is averaging 12.9 points per game but is shooting nearly 40% from 3-PT range this season and tallying 2.8 blocks per game. A player of his stature shooting 40% from range and posting a career-high 7.3 rebounds per game this year is deserving of an opportunity to be an even bigger part.
While the offense has been a liability for the Knicks this season, their defense has been even more spotty. Turner could help significantly on both ends, which could solve a primary issue with the starters.
However, Turner won’t come cheap. The front office would have to offer up multiple draft picks and off-load a few players. With the Pacers in rebuild mode, getting rid of Turner’s contract may be a focal point, so valuing him could be difficult.