Miami Warmth legend Udonis Haslem doesn’t imagine within the New York Knicks as reputable championship contenders simply but.
The New York Knicks have established themselves because the No. 3 seed within the East. They’re xxx video games forward of the No. 4 seed however the No. 2 seed appears out of their attain with a xx-game distinction.
This was a win-now roster put collectively in the summertime with the costly acquisitions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Cities. Bridges is standing as much as teaching on behalf of his teammates whereas Cities is moving into fights representing the franchise. It is a well-knit unit that believes in itself.
Sadly, their self-belief hasn’t translated across the NBA. Pundits like Brian Windhorst have slammed the Knicks’ hopes as a contender earlier than and Chris Mannix additionally not too long ago questioned how far the Knicks can go.
One other doubter has joined the dialog, as Miami Warmth legend Udonis Haslem delivered a verdict on the Knicks that followers of the franchise will need to flip away from.
With the Knicks wanting safe because the No. 3 seed within the East, many would choose them because the favorites within the first spherical earlier than a probably tough second-round battle towards the Boston Celtics.
As an alternative of worrying concerning the second spherical, Haslem declared the Knicks received’t make it previous the Detroit Pistons within the first spherical on ESPN’s NBA In the present day. He cited the Pistons’ model of play and Jalen Brunson’s damage as the important thing elements.
“I’m not even gonna speak concerning the second spherical. That is championship expectations. You deliver KAT… You promote your soul just a little as a result of Thibs is a defensive man. However you deliver in additional offense. You try this since you need to win a championship.”
“Now, I like these thundercats out in Detroit. I’m taking a look at that matchup and so they’re sharpening their swords and are prepared for this matchup. They’re excited for this matchup.”
“Jalen Brunson coming in or not, that ankle received’t be prepared till {the summertime}. I’m taking a look at Detroit and saying this might be a first-round exit for New York.”
The largest motive for Haslem being skeptical of the Knicks is the query mark round Jalen Brunson’s well being. Brunson has led the franchise admirably for 3 seasons now, however the ankle damage he suffered towards the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6 may need ruined competition hopes this season.
Brunson is averaging 26.3 factors, 3.0 rebounds, and seven.4 assists this season. Whereas the Knicks have strong backup choices and an offensive weapon like Cities to depend on, the workforce isn’t the identical with out Brunson’s contribution.
His damage was anticipated to sideline him till late March on the minimal. It’s probably we see him take his time with a return to make sure he’s at his greatest for the Playoffs. We’ll see him on the courtroom once more, but it surely’s laborious to return from this sort of damage as quickly as attainable whereas remaining unscathed.
Hopefully, he returns wholesome sufficient to assist the Knicks win the primary spherical and keep away from an upset towards the Pistons. If not, the Knicks may have to make some laborious selections in the summertime.
