"Could be the No. 1 offense in the league" - Brian Windhorst believes the New York Knicks are a powerhouse if they have health on their side
The New York Knicks made some big moves in the offseason, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. ESPN's Brian Windhorst believes that the Knicks will be an NBA powerhouse this season if they remain healthy.
In a recent episode of "NBA Today," Windhorst said he was impressed with the Knicks during their preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets. The insider pointed out the team's offense, led by Jalen Brunson and the surrounding talent around him.
"How are you going to bring a double team on Brunson when you've got (OG) Anunoby, Bridges and Towns out there at the same time? Windhorst said.
"You can't. So when I watched this Knicks offense yesterday, I walked away going, 'This could be the number one offense in the league.' It really could be if they stay healthy and they gel, which is going to take some time. But it could happen."
The New York Knicks went all in this offseason by making plenty of moves. They signed OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson and Precious Achiuwa to new contracts. They also brought in free agents Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne. Their biggest moves, however, were acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Bridges is one of the best two-way players and most durable athletes in the league. Towns, the four-time NBA All-Star coming off his first conference finals appearance, can stretch the floor as a center.
Health was a major issue last season for the Knicks in the postseason. Coach Tom Thibodeau had no choice but to play players out of position, yet the Knicks still reached Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.
New York Knicks can't afford many injuries this season
The New York Knicks are entering the season with possibly their best shot at winning a championship since 1973. However, the Knicks must stay healthy, which has been a concern in recent years.
Jalen Brunson ended his season with a broken left hand, while Mitchell Robinson is already out for the first two months of the season. OG Anunoby has not played a full season in his career, and Karl-Anthony Towns is just a year removed from a torn calf muscle.
Coach Tom Thibodeau has also adapted by managing his starters' minutes, a strategy that works for the Knicks players' longevity. A significant addition for the Knicks is Mikal Bridges, who has never missed a game in his career, which is good news for the team.