Kendrick Perkins thinks pretty much as good as Karl-Anthony Cities is, the New York Knicks nonetheless want a defensive anchor.
The New York Knicks have pleasantly shocked their fanbase throughout the 2024-25 NBA season as they maintain the third-seed within the Japanese Convention heading into the All-Star break.
A key purpose behind their success has been Karl-Anthony Cities’ constant efficiency since being traded to the group within the offseason.
However even with Cities, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes the Knicks are nonetheless in want of a Rudy Gobert-esque participant.
Regardless of being a giant man, KAT has hardly ever been praised for his efforts on the defensive finish of the ground. However, it’s okay as Cities has all the time been an elite offensive star.
Holding that in thoughts, Perk thinks the Knicks want a defensive anchor and happily, they have already got a participant who suits that description.
“You want a giant to anchor that protection. Karl-Anthony Cities will not be that man, and that’s okay. We noticed Karl-Anthony Cities play his finest basketball, some his finest basketball defensively when he had an anchor, a man that would block pictures and alter pictures on the rim, and a man like Rudy Gobert, that’s why Mitchell Robinson goes to assist this staff tremendously,” Perkins mentioned.
He added: “Being that athletic large, and I recognize the New York Knicks for not dashing him again. Let him take his time, as a result of they’re in an ideal spot. They’re solely two and a half video games out from the second spot. The Knicks are a legit risk.”
Mitchell Robinson has been with the Knicks for his total profession, however he hasn’t been on the courtroom for practically a 12 months.
Robinson sustained an ankle harm throughout the Knicks’ 2024 Japanese Convention Semifinals matchup in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.
To date, Cities and Jalen Brunson have primarily carried the staff via their unimaginable scoring abilities. As well as, the likes of OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Treasured Achiuwa have fulfilled their roles as properly.
Nevertheless, to really have a whole roster, the Knicks want an athletic large and Robinson can do this job for the staff.
Regardless of not enjoying even a single sport all through the season, there may be some optimistic information round Robinson. Based on a latest report, Robinson is concentrating on a March 2025 return for the Knicks.
Contemplating the group has a surprising 36-18 report with out him, will probably be thrilling to see what head coach Tom Thibodeau can do with a totally wholesome roster.
