Swift decision for the Knicks: Acquiring Keon Ellis through a trade deal
In the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, the New York Knicks are looking to bolster their defensive lineup, and they might have found the perfect addition in wing defender Keon Ellis.
Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' point guard, offers competent perimeter defense, but his average lateral quickness and below-elite size for backcourt defenders make him vulnerable against faster, more explosive guards. This has resulted in a Defensive RAPM of -1.5 in the 2024-25 season, ranking in the bottom 6th percentile among all NBA players [3][4].
Karl-Anthony Towns, the team's centre, is an efficient defender with good rim protection metrics. However, scouts have noted inconsistencies in his closeout speed and occasional lapses defending pick-and-rolls or switch situations against quicker players [3][4]. His defensive rating was 110.3, slightly worse than league average for centres, and his block percentage was just 0.7% [2].
The Knicks' defensive picture is further hindered by Brunson's below-par defensive statistics, including a steal percentage of just 1.3%, block percentage of 0.3%, and defensive rebound rate falling below 8% [1]. Towns' defensive struggles are also evident, with the team being 5.3 points per 100 possessions worse defensively with Towns on the floor [5].
Enter Keon Ellis, a wing defender known for his length, defensive versatility, and strong perimeter defense. Ellis's defensive RAPM of +1.8 and STOP% of 4.3% place him among the league's elite guard defenders [3][4]. His ability to switch on screens and contest shots aggressively would relieve pressure on Brunson and Towns, reducing mismatches on the perimeter and providing a disruptor who can generate turnovers [2].
Ellis's offensive efficiency metrics are also impressive, with a 66.4% true shooting percentage and 43.3% from three in the 2024-25 season [6]. His relative true shooting percentage (+8.9%) is stronger than Alex Caruso's (+3.0%) [7]. Ellis shares a connection with Knicks head coach Mike Brown, who previously coached Ellis in Sacramento.
The addition of Ellis could significantly improve the Knicks' defensive cohesion, reinforcing perimeter defense versatility, improving defensive rotations and switches, and covering the wing's defensive demands more effectively [2][3][4]. With Ellis's elite defensive abilities and impressive offensive potential, the Knicks are poised to strengthen their defensive lineup ahead of the 2024-25 season.
References: [1] Basketball Reference [2] NBA Analysis Network [3] Sports Reference [4] StatMuse [5] NBA Advanced Stats [6] Basketball Reference [7] NBA Analysis Network
Keon Ellis's addition to the New York Knicks could enhance their defensive lineup, as his defensive RAPM of +1.8 and STOP% of 4.3% place him among the league's elite guard defenders, potentially reducing mismatches on the perimeter and generating turnovers. In the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, the Knicks might leverage Ellis's skills in basketball to bolster their defensive strategies.
