Knicks Media Roundup: Praise for 25th pick, Katz calls Knicks ‘all in’, 2 Knicks on NBA Player Tiers Project, and Deuce surgery

ESPN Analyst praises Knicks’ pick of Dadiet

ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla praised the Knicks’ first-round pick in last night’s first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, French wing Pacome Dadiet. Fraschilla called the 25th pick a “great pick up” and suggested fans get tickets to see Dadiet with the Westchester Knicks, where he could play for most of next season.

The unrefined 18-year-old plans to play in the NBA next season, though stashing him could save salary cap money. Dadiet is a versatile, energetic rebounder, and shooter with an NBA-ready body, but his defense needs to be developed.

Dadiet was one of four French players chosen in the first round, along with top pick Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr (No. 2), and Tidjane Salaun (No. 6). This is the Knicks’ second try with a French draftee, as they selected Frank Ntilikina in 2017.

In another tweet, Fraschilla compared Dadiet to Magic forward Franz Wagner: “One German coach in the BBL where he played this year told me he’s better at the same age than Franz Wagner. High praise. Remember Franz spent two more years at Michigan before NBA.” Consider us intrigued!

Fred Katz on the Bridges trade

Yesterday, Fred Katz wrote in The Athletic that the “Knicks are all in, but now they must prove it.”

The New York Knicks, under team president Leon Rose, executed a long-term strategy by trading four unprotected first-round picks, a protected pick, and Bojan Bogdanović for Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. This move aligns with their vision of acquiring future assets and maintaining flexibility for a star trade. Bridges, a versatile defender, and efficient shooter, complements Jalen Brunson and strengthens the Knicks’ title contender status. Prioritizing chemistry and fit over star power, the Knicks are now positioned for serious NBA title contention, with a focus on long-term success and adjusted expectations.

“The Knicks have made their all-in trade for a star. They opted for chemistry over star power, for fit over fame. Beating the defending champion Boston Celtics will take stockpiling wings. That’s what the Knicks are doing.”

As Katz observes, Bridges’ shooting efficiency (44% field goal and 37% three-point accuracy last season) should improve, as defenders cannot leave him, Anunoby, or DiVincenzo unguarded without risking a three-pointer. And the Bridges swap differs from the Phoenix Suns’ trade for Kevin Durant, which also involved a massive haul of draft capital.

“This is not a situation like the one in Phoenix, where the Suns traded for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, pushing all their chips into the middle to lock in an older roster. Phoenix has only a short window to win a title, given the age of their team. [....] Every member of the Knicks’ rotation is younger than 30. Randle, the grandpa of the group, is only 29.”

Read the full article here.

Two Knicks on the Athletic’s NBA Player Tiers Project

Recently, Seth Partnow of the Athletic submitted his fifth entry in the annual NBA Player Tiers project. In it, he “names the top 125 players in the league after each season and then separates them into five distinct categories of value.”

The NBA is experiencing a shift, with longstanding stars aging while emerging talents like Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Victor Wembanyama rise. As Partnow observes, the balance between veteran players and up-and-comers remains a hotly contested topic.

Partnow put two Knicks on his list. Jalen Brunson is rated as Tier 2B, and OG Anunoby comes under Tier 3C. The Boston Celtics have the most players on the list, with Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porziņģis, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday all mentioned. The Oklahoma City Thunder have three players on the list, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, as do the Los Angeles Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks.

OG Anunboy has been in the news of late having opted out of his contract and then signing a $212.5 million, five-year deal with New York.

Partnow’s top three tiers are as follows:

• TIER 1A: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks); Nikola Jokić (Nuggets); Luka Dončić (Mavericks)
• TIER 1B: Stephen Curry (Warriors); Kevin Durant (Suns); Joel Embiid (76ers)
• TIER 2A: LeBron James (Lakers); Jayson Tatum (Celtics) ; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
• TIER 2B: Jimmy Butler (Heat); Devin Booker (Suns); Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves); Victor Wembanyama (Spurs); Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
• TIER 2C: Kyrie Irving (Mavericks); Kawhi Leonard (Clippers); Anthony Davis (Lakers); Ja Morant (Grizzlies)
• TIER 2C: Paul George (Clippers); Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers); Bam Adebayo (Heat); De’Aaron Fox (Kings); Jaylen Brown Celtics)
• Tier 3A: James Harden (Clippers); Jamal Murray (Nuggets); Zion Williamson (Pelicans); Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves); Chet Holmgren (Thunder); Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
• TIER 3B: Damian Lillard (Bucks); Trae Young (Hawks); Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers); Jrue Holiday (Celtics); Kristaps Porziņģis (Celtics); Derrick White (Celtics); Tyrese Maxey (76ers); Khris Middleton (Bucks);
• TIER 3C: Lauri Markkanen (Jazz); DeMar DeRozan (Bulls); Paolo Banchero (Magic); Jalen Williams (Thunder); OG Anunoby (Knicks)

Read the full list here and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Go Knicks!

Deuce McBride receives pinkie toe “procedure”

Per Stefan Bondy and others, the Knicks announced this week that McBride has undegone a procedure on his right pinky toe. He is expected return to full basketball activities later in the summer, aligning him with the start of training camp.

In the 2023-24 season, McBride initially struggled to find playing time but took on a significant role as injuries mounted, averaging 11.7 points, 2.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers per game post-All-Star break. However, the acquisition of Mikal Bridges is likely to reduce his playing time in the 2024-25 season.

Here Deuce pulls the sword at a hometown soccer game in Cincinnati and continues to live his best life.