3 of the Knicks’ biggest weaknesses heading into the 2023-24 season

Assessing the weaknesses of the New York Knicks is just as important as recognizing their strengths. While the team is considered a contender in the Eastern Conference, there are still areas of concern that need to be addressed.

One notable weakness is the lack of outside shooting in several of the Knicks’ best lineups. Additionally, there is a lack of a true wing with size, and the power forward position is thin after the departure of Obi Toppin, a former lottery pick.

Now, let’s delve into three flaws that could potentially lead to the Knicks’ disappointing season…

1. Insufficient floor spacing

A glaring weakness for the Knicks is the absence of a truly threatening outside shooter on the floor. Coach Tom Thibodeau has embraced a more modern offensive approach, with an emphasis on three-point shooting. However, the Knicks finished 19th in three-point shooting percentage.

The starting lineup only consists of two above-average outside shooters: Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes. Opposing teams can often crowd the paint and provide defensive help against Brunson, who is often the primary ball handler. Unfortunately, the Knicks’ shooters were unable to consistently capitalize on these defensive strategies, finishing with the worst three-point shooting percentage in the league (29.2 percent). Therefore, outside shooting remains a concern, especially when facing elite competition.

2. Lack of a reliable backup power forward

The Knicks’ decision to trade Obi Toppin and replace him with guard Donte DiVincenzo was a gamble that relied on the versatility of midseason acquisition Josh Hart to play at the power forward position. While Hart has proven himself capable of playing bigger than his height (evidenced by his highest rebound rate among rotation players under 6-foot-7), there are concerns when both Julius Randle and Hart are unavailable.

In the absence of Randle and Hart, the team experimented with third-string center Jericho Sims playing at power forward alongside centers Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein. However, Sims was often ignored by Boston’s defense as he was stationed in the corner, leading to shaky results. In the event of injuries or unavailability, the team may resort to playing smaller lineups, which contradicts Thibodeau’s coaching history.

3. Absence of a true three-and-D wing

Three-and-D wings are highly valued assets in the NBA due to their ability to guard multiple positions on defense while contributing to offense, particularly through shooting. Unfortunately, the Knicks lack players fitting this profile, with most of their role players being undersized. The closest player to a three-and-D wing is Quentin Grimes, but even he is listed at 6-foot-5 and is better suited to defend guards rather than taller wings like Jayson Tatum or Kevin Durant.

Immanuel Quickley is 6-foot-3, Donte DiVincenzo is 6-foot-4, and Hart is 6-foot-5. This is likely why the Knicks were rumored to be interested in acquiring Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby around last season’s trade deadline. Top teams in the Eastern Conference, such as the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat, all possess elite scoring wings, which could pose a challenge for the Knicks.