Breaking news : Media Roundup Holiday mailbags abound with Knicks trade speculation

 

Russell Richardson lives in Binghamton, NY, with his wife and sons. He runs a freelance digital design business and serves as site manager and lead editor of Posting and Toasting. An accomplished writer and illustrator, Russell has many publishing credits, including several children’s books that support children with cancer. His books are available on Amazon.

 

 

In his Knicks mailbag article for The Athletic, ($) James Edwards III addresses various aspects of the New York Knicks’ season thus far and their future prospects. Currently placed third in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks have shown improvement in the final month of 2024, especially on the defensive end, where they have transitioned from one of the weakest defenses to a top contender. Edwards uses the mailbag to respond to fans’ questions, covering topics from the team’s defensive strategies to potential trades and individual player performances

 

Regarding their defensive improvements, Edwards observes, “The Knicks’ defense is allowing the second-lowest 3-point attempt frequency, and opponents are only converting on 34.8 percent of those shots.” The New York Knicks have risen from the 22nd-ranked defensive rating to the 14th. The most notable improvement is in their three-point defense, where they reduced both the frequency of attempts and the success rate of opposing teams.

The Knicks have also increased their steals per game. “Over the last 14 games, the Knicks are averaging 8.4 steals per game, which ranks 14th,” writes Edwards.

 

Edwards explains that teams have found some success defending Karl-Anthony Towns with athletic wings or guards to force him into “stagnant isolations.” Despite this, Towns is having a career season and is considered a top MVP candidate.

 

With Mitchell Robinson’s return uncertain due to his foot injury, and the trade deadline approaching, the Knicks might look to strengthen their roster. “I keep going back to the Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart as a perfect fit for this roster,” writes Edwards, especially for his rim protection skills and ability to complement Towns in the frontcourt. Edwards spent a few years covering the Pistons, so it makes sense that Stewart would be top-of-mind for him. But it’s not an awful suggestion. He continues: “Combining the money of Robinson and Achiuwa at this deadline, which would be about $20 million in salary, is more than enough for New York to bring back a big who could help bolster the current group.”