Knicks linked to former MVP in late free agent signing originally appeared on The Sporting News
The New York Knicks are coming off one of their best seasons in almost 25 years, making the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. While they fell short against the Indiana Pacers, they are primed for another great season with the same core intact. Savvy free agent signings in Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele have rounded out the roster well, but the Knicks can still make another move.
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With one more veteran minimum slot on their payroll, New York can still add one more impact player to an already good roster, and the answer may come from a former league MVP.
Russell Westbrook is still out there on the free agent market, and although he isn’t the superstar he once was, he can still contribute on a playoff team, as shown during his time with the Denver Nuggets last season.
How Does Westbrook Help the Knicks?
SNY’s David Vertsberger listed a few options for New York’s final veteran minimum spot, but Westbrook is one of the few options that provides defensive ability in the backcourt.
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“What Westbrook’s lost in athleticism and scoring efficiency, he’s learned to make up for with his defensive tenacity and high-motor play.” Wrote Vertsberger. “He does not take a play, let alone a game, off, and is always full tempo when he’s on the court.”
“These are valuable things to bring off your bench, especially in a limited role on a small deal, it’s just unlikely Westbrook takes one with three guards ahead of him on the depth chart. Fun to think about, especially in the context of a slower Knicks team, but not much else to consider here.”
While Verstberger downplayed the possibility of Westbrook signing with New York, the fit makes more sense than he gives it credit for. The Knicks, while making a solid playoff run last season, had their weaknesses exposed, especially defensively. While Jalen Brunson is one of the best scorers in the game, his defense is shoddy at best, and that was glaringly obvious at certain points during their series against the Boston Celtics and Pacers.
Westbrook would be a nice change of pace to bring on the floor when Brunson needs a breather, and would provide stability to the backup point guard position that other available players, such as the oft-injured Ben Simmons and Malcom Brogdon, cannot.
If the Knicks can find a way to make it work, the former Oklahoma City Thunder superstar would be a positive veteran addition to add to their depth.