The New York Knicks continue to suffer with poor point guard play. The team is coming off an ugly loss to the Boston Celtics as weakness in the triangle offense were on full display. On a night where Isaiah Thomas went to work in a big way, the Knicks simply could not match it with just 37 percent shooting as a team from the field. With those issues continuing to hurt the team, will the Knicks make moves at the trade deadline?
Against the Celtics, Jose Calderon put up two points and one assist with one turnover in 22 minutes on the court. Arron Afflalo missed eight of 10 shots. Jerian Grant did not play. Sasha Vujacic failed to make an impact in 15 minutes on the court. According to head coach Derek Fisher, he is still trying to find consistency while struggling to get the right five guys on the court at the same time.
"It was more about our inability to work together offensively as a group,'' Fisher said, via the New York Post. "That's the big point we're trying to make to our guys. We have to find a way to play offense together and it will make it easier and allow everyone to contribute. It's an offensive issue. It doesn't matter what you're running. You have to do it together. We're doing it at times. At times we're getting willful and trying to manufacture offense instead of letting it flow.''
According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the biggest issue for the Knicks is their backcourt play which could be addressed in free agency. The question is how big the team is willing to go for help at the position. The Knicks will have trouble putting together a trade package as Calderon will not be wanted making Derrick Williams and Kyle O'Quinn potentially the best the team can offer. That might be good enough to acquire someone like Ty Lawson, but will not work for someone like Brandon Jennings. Jamal Crawford could be a target as well for the Knicks, but again they might not have a package that entices the Clippers.
The Knicks must improve their backcourt or find some kid of consistency within the rotation. Fisher notes they are trying to find the right mix around Carmelo Anthony who made it clear he is not happy with the effort being put forth by the team. After bad losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers along with the Celtics game, Anthony is stressing that everyone begin to figure out their issues quickly.
"I'm happy about the effort we got, but as far as losing, not happy about that,'' Anthony said, via the Post. "Fighting an uphill battle the whole way, even when you do it cut it to five, you have to pray everything goes your way. It's more stress than anything. The games like we lost we're digging ourselves a hole.''
