The return of Carmelo Anthony meant the return of the New York Knicks' offense. Without the star in the lineup, the team simply looked lost on the court and playmakers were hard to find. While the Knicks still needed double-overtime to get a win against the Philadelphia 76ers it showed potential, but was it enough potential to avoid trades or roster additions at the deadline?
Anthony proved to be clutch once again with a big three-point play to keep the Knicks from losing to the 76ers. His 19 points were needed while Arron Afflalo added a solid 25 in the game. These are the numbers that the Knicks need and need more of in the offense. With Jose Calderon only netting eight points and Langston Galloway continuing to struggle with just eight points, the scoring for the Knicks have been inconsistent causing the team to search for help. The question is how far will they look to get it.
As of right now, Jimmer Fredette is the Stephen Curry of the NBA D-League. As the guard works towards his NBA comeback, he is averaging 23 points per game in the Knicks' D-League affiliate. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, grabbing Fredette instead of making a trade could be the favored move of the Knicks. Begley writes that Phil Jackson is a big fan of Fredette's and is also a big fan of the low-risk, high-reward moves. He got that last season when he brought up Galloway, Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas to the roster. They have been critical for the Knicks. Fredette could have the same impact for the team as as scoring threat off the bench. While his defense is average at best, he would be a needed offensive boost for the team.
Begley writes that Fredette could be the favorite addition because the Knicks are not interested in making a trade that will impact their salary cap beyond this season. They also do not have many assets they can afford to give up. Right now, players like Derrick Williams, Kyle O'Quinn and Thomas have been big factors for the team in recent games thanks to injuries. The Knicks cannot afford to let them go for someone like Ty Lawson, Jamal Crawford or Brandon Jennings who will not come cheap.
Instead, the Knicks can easily bring up Fredette and see if he can continue the same scoring pace that he is right now. Until a decision is made, the Knicks will lean on Afflalo and Anthony's chemistry on the court along with the improvement of Kristaps Porzingis for help.