Knicks Rumors: Strong Interest Shown In Minnesota Timberwolves Ricky Rubio
New York Knicks Rumors: The Knicks are reportedly interested in trading for Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio.
New York Knicks rumors have began popping up in recent weeks. With the team struggling to gain consistency, a shake-up has been discussed. Jeff Hornacek has shuffled the starting lineup and rotation at times to mixed results. The biggest problem the Knicks have faced is their inability to defend opponents.
The Knicks have one of the worst defenses in the NBA. They surrender 108.2 points per game with a defensive rating of 111, both ranked 25th in the NBA. Until they get things figured out defensively, the Knicks will continue struggling to find consistency.
Arguably the biggest detriment to the Knicks defense is the point guard position. Both Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings struggle to play defense at the head of the Knicks defense. It puts a ton of pressure on the Knicks big men, all of whom are average or above average defensively.
The point guards are not the only problem defensively for the Knicks. They struggle in defending the pick-and-roll and in rotations, leaving opponents wide open too often from the perimeter in scramble situations.
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It will take more than one player to fix that problem, but the Knicks could definitely use an upgrade on the perimeter defensively. They have been rumored to be interested in Phoenix Suns small forward P.J. Tucker, who would give them an instant upgrade defensively. It would also allow the Knicks to use Carmelo Anthony more at power forward, which seems to be the direction the team is heading.
The most recent rumor has the Knicks looking to upgrade at point guard. According to Sam Amico, the Knicks have a strong interest in Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio. The Timberwolves have made it known they are willing to move Rubio, and the Knicks want in on the discussion.
Rubio would be a huge upgrade for the Knicks defensively. He brings playmaking ability to the table as well, averaging 8.3 assists per game in his career. Unfortunately, he brings very little to the table offensively.
Rubio has never hit 40 percent shooting from the field in his career and is shooting only 37.1 percent this season. He hs averaging a career-low 7.7 points and is not much of a threat to score with the ball in his hands.
His playmaking ability makes him someone defenses have to pay attention to. What he does with the ball in his hands as a passer and facilitator helps make up for the lack of scoring. The defense he brings to the table would also help offset the lack of scoring punch.
The Knicks are also not the only team in on Rubio. Amico’s sources report the Chicago Bulls are interested in Rubio along with the Knicks, while Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Sacramento Kings are in the running as well.
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Rubio would help the Knicks, but at what cost? The Timberwolves will be looking for a pretty big package in return for Rubio, as they were dangling him this past offseason in talks for Jimmy Butler. With other teams also in the running, the price could be too high for the Knicks, who should do their best to hold onto future first round picks.