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Knicks Falling Short in One Area

The New York Knicks have to improve their depth.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 1, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) dunks the ball against the Detroit Pistons in the fourth quarter of the Pistons game against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) dunks the ball against the Detroit Pistons in the fourth quarter of the Pistons game against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks are a top-heavy team after making three blockbuster trades in the past 12 months.

After acquiring OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks have sacrificed a lot of their depth to ensure that the right pieces are in the starting lineup next to Jalen Brunson.

However, because of these deals, the Knicks are lacking in the second unit.

“It depends on what you define (as) depth. I think their fourth and fifth guys are great, but below that, we’re asking a lot of Deuce McBride right now," NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry said h/t Posting and Toasting. "Once Mitchell Robinson gets back, I think they’re relatively deep. But I brought this up because you said there’s Boston and OKC, and I think that’s what it is. And when you look at depth, it’s those guys by a long shot.”

The Knicks are coached by Tom Thibodeau, who likely won't go with too deep of a rotation when the playoffs roll around. However, depth is very important throughout the regular season, and as we saw last season, it could be important in the playoffs as well.

If injuries rear its ugly head once again, the Knicks will need competent players to balance things out, but it remains to be seen how New York will go about adding depth for the stretch run.

While adding the likes of Cam Payne, Matt Ryan and Precious Achiuwa will help, it doesn't compare to some of the other Eastern Conference contenders who are seriously battling for a championship.

The Knicks will look to improve their depth and their record in their next matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Tipoff is set for tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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