The New York Knicks still have a few ways to improve their roster, and that could come in the form of a former Mike Brown player.
Brown, who coached the Sacramento Kings over the past few years before being fired during the middle of last season, could look to bring some of his former players in a trade to New York.
At the top of that list should be Keon Ellis, an elite defender who has consistently shown improvement offensively.
The Knicks wouldn’t want a player who would be a black hole on that side of the basketball, but Ellis isn’t that anymore. He’s coming off his best season yet, averaging 8.3 points and shooting 43.3% from 3-point range.
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When looking at a potential trade, amNY’s Ryan Nieskins noted that the best move the Knicks can make would be to trade for him, adding that it’s due to the defensive issues that Jalen Bronson and Karl-Anthony Towns bring to the court.
“That’s why surrounding them with switchable, high-motor defenders is critical, and why adding Keon Ellis makes strategic sense. Ellis ranks in the 99th percentile in shot contests, 95th in steals per 75 possessions, and 98th in blocks per 75. His defensive RAPM of +1.8 and STOP% of 4.3% place him among the league’s elite guard defenders. His presence would immediately lighten the defensive burden on Brunson and Towns, while boosting New York’s ability to withstand playoff-level pressure,” he wrote.
As he noted, having a defender who can move around and switch onto other players would be valuable for the Knicks.
Not only that, but his offensive game would fit in with what the Knicks are looking to do if he continues to shoot the 3-point shot at a high clip.
