elfrid payton

Cole Anthony could be the everyday point guard for the New York Knicks

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Cole Anthony, New York Knicks

The New York Knicks need a point guard.  They’ve been trying out several point guards over the years but can’t seem the find the right one.

Elfrid Payton took over the Knicks point guard duties mid-way through the season and did a fine job.  He was by far the best point guard on the team, Frank Ntilikina next then Dennis Smith Jr.

The Knicks need a true point guard but one that can also score.  The team wants more of a pass first guard instead of scorer.  But they need a solid dose of both.

Upper west side native Cole Anthony grew up liking the Knicks.  Son of former Knick, Greg Anthony, is projected to be a top 10 pick in this upcoming draft.  Anthony think “it be pretty cool” to be a Knick.

Anthony played his college ball at North Carolina.  He averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists last season.  His play is more aggressive and attacking rather than pass first.  He also shot 34.8 percent from beyond the arc.  The Knicks can certainly use his scoring and work on the passing.

If the Knicks want an everyday one guard to pair with RJ Barrett at the two guard, Anthony is a viable option.  But the Knicks allegedly want a pass first guard so Anthony might not be in the mix.

It really all depends on where the Knicks land in the lottery.  They could be in the top four where the chances of landing Lamelo Ball go up.  However if they’re outside the top four, Anthony is now in play.

Anthony could be a good option for the Knicks.  He has the ability to score and attack which is what the Knicks need in a starting point guard.  Being aggressive and attacking the rim in the NBA will draw defenders to him then allow him to distribute the ball to his teammates.  The passing will be come.

As much as the Knicks need a facilitator, they need a point guard that can score.  Anthony would be a good pick for the New York Knicks if they want an everyday point guard.

Can the New York Knicks rely on Elfrid Payton as their starting point guard next season?

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New York Knicks, Elfrid Payton

Should the New York Knicks put all their chips in on Elfrid Payton as their starting point guard?

When the Knicks initially signed Elfrid Payton to a two-year, $16 million contract, the reaction was lukewarm.

After posting solid numbers two seasons ago with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Knicks took a chance on the 25-year-old point guard. He played 45 games this year, starting in 36, averaging 27.7 minutes per game with a .439 field-goal percentage. However, there were some areas where he struggled, specifically from three-point land, earning a .203 hit rate from beyond the arc.

Also, his free-throw percentage was the worst it has been in over 4 years, finishing at .570%. One area that he did improve is in turnovers, earning a career-low with 2.1 per game. He also logged 1.6 steals per content, the second-highest in his career.

Having struggled to reach his potential as a former top 10 pick in the NBA draft, Payton showed serviceability with the Knicks, proving that he can handle a starting workload and operate at a high-level. The only issue is consistency, as he couldn’t manage to string together weeks of positive play. Injuries also tainted his performance in 2019, but the Knicks have a big decision to make.

Do they stick with Elfrid Payton and allocate a suspected top pick in the NBA draft of 2020 toward a different position, or do they upgrade the point guard position and utilize Payton as a reserve option?

Personally, I believe that the Knicks should find a true point guard who is consistently active on offense. Payton is a skilled passer and defender, but his 10 points per game limited NY’s offensive production. There are options in the draft and in free agency that should be considered, but if they believe Payton can be there starting point guard moving forward, he does have the ability to rise to the occasion.

 

Thoughts on the New York Knicks season, if it’s over

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The New York Knicks and rest of the NBA season is in question.  The season could resume in a month or two and it could jump right into the playoffs.  But, everything in the sports world is a giant question mark currently.

With that being said, if the NBA returns and goes right into the playoffs, the Knicks season would be over.  We can look back on the season and determine what were the positives, if any.

First off, Knicks fans are spoiled.  More so than any other fan base.  It’s New York so the expectations are to contend for a championship.  It doesn’t matter whether all teams were good or bad the season before.  They’re expected to be contenders each year.

This season for the Knicks started with big, optimistic expectations that quickly turned for the worst.  That is something that all fans know very well.  The season began with thoughts of the Knicks sneaking into the back-end of the playoffs.  But, after a 4-17 start and head coach David Fizdale fired, that quickly vanished.

While the players always said the right things about striving to get better and competing for a playoff spot, the realism was they were far from it.  All and all, it was a typical Knicks season.  Big expectations with awful results.

The Knicks had a bunch of good things that came out of this season but the negatives out way the positives.  Positives were the play of rookie RJ Barrett and his ability to show the all-star capabilities for the future.  Mitchell Robinson’s progression a player and work on committing fewer fouls.  And Julius Randle didn’t fit well with the Knicks in his first season despite good stats.

And towards the end of the season, the aggressiveness and positive progression of Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox.  Knox had a smaller sample size at the end after a disastrous start to the season but thankfully fans saw something.  While more in-depth grades and thoughts will come, the consensus of the New York Knicks season was another stinker.

Safe to say Mike Miller won’t be the New York Knicks coach next season

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Mike Miller, Frank Ntilikina

New York Knicks interim head coach Mike Miller isn’t auditioning well for new team president Leon Rose.  Miller has had head scratching rotations that have fans furious.

When Miller took over for David Fizdale, it was clear he was coaching for a permanent job.  While it was a good change, being unable to adapt when the times are tough is costing him.  Sticking with veteran Knicks players isn’t working.  Well, there’s a lot that isn’t working.

One thing that all fans can agree on, at this point in the season, is the young Knicks need to play.  Yes, it’s a broken record.  Playing or showcasing the veteran players time as passed.  It was good to give them more time before the trade deadline because they should’ve been dealt or bought out.

It could be that Rose needs more time evaluating what veteran players to bring back for next season?  If that’s the case, they things like that need to be said.  It’s that time where all young players with future potential need all the minutes.

Miller is starting to lose more than he’s trying to gain.  It’s still unsure what Rose may want for the Knicks next season.  If Miller wants another crack this gig next season, playing the youth is now his best bet.

The biggest concern is Miller’ starting lineup.  Mitchell Robinson needs to be starting.  Taj Gibson, while hes been solid for the Knicks, he isn’t a future asset, Robinson is.  Also, after his best performance of his career Tuesday night, Frank Ntilikina deserves a lot more time.  Miller needs to build off that play and aggressiveness and instill confidence in him at the guard position.

Another concern is the lack of shooters Miller has in his lineups.  Julius Randle is not a shooting guard.  Daymean Dotson and Allonzo Trier need time since they should be part of the youth movement and are shooting guards.  However, if Rose truly want to fix the New York Knicks he needs a coach that will move forward with youth and develop them.

Knicks’ Veterans: Who will be around next season?

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New York Knicks, Elfrid Payton

The New York Knicks roster will have plenty of new faces next season. As they seem destined for a bottom-5 finish, management will need to decide who is an asset and who is expendable. While much has been made of the younger Knicks players and their futures, who among the veterans should be with the team next season?

Elfrid Payton

Elf has been a streaky player for the Knicks. His play has been consistent with the rest of his career to this point. He’s a terrific playmaker who can run an offense, but his shooting ability and inconsistencies make him more suited to be a complementary player, not a team’s starting point guard. That said, Elfrid’s ability to create for others is a valuable asset, and he should remain with the team next season.

Bobby Portis

Portis has been a mainstay in the Knicks’ rotation all season long. Portis can stretch the floor and be an effective rebounder. He also tends to lose focus on offense. A lot of his lousy shot decisions and dribbling around have cost the Knicks numerous possessions throughout the season. Portis is currently the 2nd highest paid Knick at 15.75 million going into next season, expect the team to decline their club option and let Portis walk in free agency.

Taj Gibson

At 35 years old, Gibson is nearing the end of his career. A role player for most of his career, teammates have constantly raved about his leadership. Having a selfless veteran like Gibson has been a nice presence for the Knicks young players, but will he be around next season?

Gibson’s cap hit of 9.45 million next season may seem like too much, but I believe there will be a mutual understanding between Gibson and the Knicks that reduces his playing time but keeps him on the team to remain a leader.

Wayne Ellington

Ellington’s role as a shooter off of the bench has been consistent all season. While he hasn’t been a frequently talked about player, he still carries a 9 million dollar cap hit next season. However, his contract is only guaranteed 1 million before June 28th. I would expect the Knicks to negotiate a buyout or try and allow a team to claim him off of waivers.

Maurice Harkless

Recently acquired from the Clippers, many have enjoyed Moe’s defensive mindset. Harkless will be a free agent this offseason, and it’s hard to imagine the team bringing him back. He will likely command a contract around 10 million per season, and the Knicks would be better suited to allocate his minutes to younger players.

Thank the higher powers the New York Knicks have RJ Barrett

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

If it wasn’t for RJ Barrett, the New York Knicks would be unwatchable this season.  He’s been one of the only bright spots in this gloomy time for the organization.

Last night’s game proved that there is some hope for the Knicks, thanks to Barrett.  Of course the Knicks lost, 123-112 in Houston, but watching Barrett eased the pain.

Barrett showed the Knicks fans base that he has the ability to be a star in this league.  All the talent and ability is there, but getting last night performance to be consistent is key.  He’s probably the only player, besides Mitchell Robinson, that fans aren’t worried about their player development.  They’ll be just fine.

Barrett looked confident, strong and aggressive all night.  His ability to control his body while driving to the bucket and absorbing contact is a thing of beauty.  It’s by far the best in the league for rookies.  And you know things are cooking for Barrett when he’s knocking down 3’s as well.

Everything he did last night should make Knicks fans smile.  Barrett was able to push the ball up court as the backup point guard, with a depleted back court, and find the open man.  Case-in-point.  Only him and Elfrid Payton have that ability this season.

Maybe it was playing better competition that brought out an even better Barrett?  Whatever it was, it’s the reason why the Knicks said that Barrett, and Robinson, were untouchable at the trade deadline.  He’s the main building block for the future and in-coming team president Leon Rose.

In a season when it’s been mostly negative, Barrett continues to shine and show fans that he’s the reason the New York Knicks should have hope for the future.

This is what the New York Knicks should do this summer

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are still in the early stages of a rebuild.  No matter what anyone says, they’re several pieces away from contending in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks need shooters.  After the Marcus Morris trade, the team took a big hit shooting wise.  There are some shooters that may be on the market that the Knicks should try for.

The Sacramento Kings have a decision to make regarding Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic.  Hield was replaced in the starting lineup by Bogdanovic which left him feeling some type of way.  He’ll also be a free agent this upcoming summer.

Therefore, Hield coming off the bench is something that he doesn’t want long term.  A trade could requested since he’s unhappy.  The Kings may go Bogdanovic since he’s younger.

The Knicks are in the market for a shooter and they have picks to play with.  However, the picks are something the team doesn’t want to part with.  They could offer picks and a young player, like Kevin Knox.

Lauri Markkanen is another player that should be on the Knicks radar.  The excitement in Chicago as dwindled away with the emergence of Wendell Carter Jr.  Draft picks and a young player could be in player for Markkanen.  Adding a shooting power forward alongside Mitchell Robinson would be the perfect fit.

In the draft, the Knicks should and will target a point guard.  Whether that’s Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball all depends on their draft position.  If they decide to go with something other than a point guard, Fred Van Vleet needs to be a consideration.

Van Vleet will get big money from Toronto or somewhere else.  If they don’t pursue him, which most they likely won’t, the Knicks can run it back with Elfrid Payton, Frank Ntilikina and whoever they draft, saying it’s a point guard.

Leon Rose and the New York Knicks will have a lot of options this summer saying this ‘new’ front office makes those drastic changes.

The New York Knicks need a lot more than just a point guard this draft

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New York Knicks, LaMelo Ball

The New York Knicks are in the market for an everyday point guard.  Not only do they need a point guard but they need a lot more pieces as well.

ESPNs Jonathan Givnoy’s latest mock draft as LaMelo Ball, Australia, going fourth to the Knicks.  Ball would become the Knicks backup point guard as Elfrid Payton would most likely remain the starter.  Him going to New York would be the best case scenario for his family as they love the limelight.  Ball is on the Knicks radar along with other point guards, depending on their draft position.

While a everyday point guard is the high on the Knicks list, there are reports that they would want a 3-point shooter as well.  They would use the first-round from the Clippers, in the Marcus Morris trade, to obtain that.

The Knicks 3-point shooting took a massive hit in the Morris trade.  Morris was shooting 43.9% from beyond the arc, the highest on the team.  After the trade, Daymean Dotson now has the highest percentage with 35.8% and he barely gets time anymore.  Followed by Wayne Ellington, 34.6%, who also had a dip in minutes since the season began.

While a 3-point shooter and point guard are a must, there are other areas the Knicks need help with.  Well, it’s everywhere mainly.

The only position where the Knicks are relatively settled at is center.  Mitchell Robinson continues to improve but he’ll continue to benefit from a veteran players presence.  His biggest improvement, thus far, has been controlling his fouling.

The Knicks can use an upgrade at small-forward.  As he continues to grow and develop, RJ Barrett will most likely take over but for now it’s a question mark.  Kevin Knox was the hope for that position however he’s greatly under-performed.  The lack of minutes for the Knicks youth doesn’t help his cause either.

The New York Knicks need help everywhere.  For them to take the next step in their rebuild, they’ll need to start with a point guard and hit home runs in all other areas of concern.

New York Knicks exciting 4-game win streak comes to an end

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New York Knicks, Elfrid Payton

The New York Knicks came close to extending their win-streak to 5 games last evening.  The Knicks fell to the Atlanta Hawks in double OT, 140-135.

Despite the streak coming to an end, the Knicks made a lot of progress and gave fans excitement.  It appeared like something clicked within the team after the front office parted ways with Steve Mills?  It could be the Steve Mills effect.

Whatever it may be, the Knicks and Mike Miller seemed to figure something out.  They didn’t figure it out entirely but they started down the right path.  Miller had a good combination of veteran and young players lineups that provided a little of everything.

For the most part of the winning streak, the Knicks had to scratch and claw their way back for a comeback victory.  Those comeback wins provided fans with the notion that this is a different Knicks team.

It showed the Knicks resilience and ability to work together as a team.  The Knicks defense and ball movement worked very well and everyone fed off one another.

There was always one player that really stood out each game.  One game it was Julius Randle.  Another Elrid Payton, then Wayne Ellington and Reggie Bullock.  Whoever the hero may have been, the Knicks played like a team and it was exactly what fans needed to see.

After trading Marcus Morris, the offense took a hit.  However, Miller turned a corner with his offensive schemes and defensive aggressiveness.  The players seemed to have bought in, for now.

The Knicks have a few more winnable games coming up.  The ‘dogs’ are trying to make a possible playoff push, only 5.5 games out.

A wild roller-coaster of a trade deadline for the New York Knicks

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New York Knicks, Marcus Morris

The New York Knicks had one roller-coaster of a trade deadline.  Rumors were swirling of all kinds of trades but the organization only had one.

The Knicks traded Marcus Morris to the Los Angeles Clippers for Moe Harkless, 2020 first-rounder and a second-rounder.

Scott Perry was the one orchestrating the trades as the news broke of the Knicks adding a new team president.  Perry did an ‘ok’ job in this trade deadline but more could have been done.

Getting a first-round pick back was a victory in itself but the Knicks were trying to get some young prospects out of the deal as well.  Other players that were speculated to be on the move were Bobby Portis, Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox, Elfrid Payton and Allonzo Trier all stayed put.

The bigger victory, however, still remains the Knicks parting ways with Steve Mills.  The franchise is now looking to add Leon Rose as the next team president.  A deal was being finalized but there’s been no official report.  The Knicks owner also made it clear he would not be selling the team, Ian Begley reports.

After the roller-coaster of a day, the Knicks still had a game to play.  They came back to defeat the Orlando Magic 105-103. The team had a good team first half.  They played together and had more pep in their step.

However, the Knicks had to scratch and crawl their way back at the end for a thrilling victory.  The comeback victory wouldn’t have happened if it was for team defense and another great all-around game by Elfrid Payton.  Also, the return of RJ Barrett gave the team something extra.

The New York Knicks are now on a 3-game win steak and are looking to give the younger players more time, or we hope.