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ESPN’s prominent analyst, Stephen A. Smith, weighed in on the New York Knicks’ recent performance following the acquisition of forward OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. While lauding the Knicks for their 4-0 start with Anunoby in the lineup, Smith emphasized that further roster moves are necessary for the team to establish themselves as legitimate contenders for an NBA title.
In an episode of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Smith praised the Knicks for their strong start since incorporating Anunoby into their roster. He highlighted the team’s impressive victories against competitive opponents like the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers. Smith specifically pointed out the noticeable improvements in both defensive capabilities and offensive spacing with the addition of Anunoby to the lineup.
However, despite the positive strides made by the Knicks, Smith expressed reservations regarding their potential championship contention. He identified four Eastern Conference teams—Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks—as formidable challengers, suggesting they could pose significant hurdles for the Knicks in their pursuit of a title.
Smith highlighted the Celtics and the Heat as teams that could potentially outmatch the Knicks, citing their strong rosters and competitive edge. He also mentioned Philadelphia and Milwaukee as teams with superior primary options in Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo, adding to the Knicks’ challenges in the conference.
According to Smith, the Knicks’ pathway to bolster their title chances involves leveraging their future draft picks to secure a genuine top-tier talent, a definitive No. 1 option that could elevate their competitiveness against the league’s elite teams.
Smith’s assessment underscores his acknowledgment of the Knicks’ progress but also signals the need for strategic moves and additional acquisitions to solidify the team’s position as serious contenders in the NBA title race.
“At some point in time, you gotta pull the trigger and you gotta get a bonafide No. 1 scoring option,” Smith said.
“Jalen Brunson should not be your No. 1 option. … Julius Randle shouldn’t be your No. 2 option. They need to get a No. 1 option with Jalen Brunson as the No. 2, with Julius Randle needing to be a No. 3 option. That’s what they need to do.”
The ESPN analyst named Cleveland Cavaliers star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell as his top trade target. However, he added that Atlanta Hawks star guard Dejounte Murray would also be a respectable acquisition that could boost New York’s backcourt defense.
“I think it’s a Donovan Mitchell,” Smith said.
“Not a Zach LaVine, not a Dejounte Murray — even though I think Dejounte Murray would be a good acquisition for the New York Knicks because since he has more size than a Jalen Brunson, him in a backcourt with Jalen Brunson at the off-guard spot, capable of subbing for Jalen at the 1 when Jalen goes to the bench, I think would be good.
“It’s one of the two, him or Donovan Mitchell, but I prefer Donovan Mitchell”.
On Isaiah Hartenstein, OG Anunoby, and the state of the Knicks pic.twitter.com/j9c5EcQqc2
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 9, 2024
