A frustrated Knicks fan called into Keith’s show after Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, and wondered if the team’s big-time acquisitions are simply not good fits for the team.
Keith won’t go that far just yet, but he doesn’t believe that the Karl-Anthony Towns deal had to be made so soon, as the Knicks could have taken some time this season to see if the original squad was able to replicate the 15-2 run it enjoyed after OG Anunoby was required last season.
“They could have made this trade at the deadline or something,” Keith said. “You didn’t get to see enough of that team last year.”
As for Mikal Bridges, his defense has surprisingly left something to be desired to start the season, while his 3-point shooting away from the corners has been erratic. That will have to change to justify the load of draft picks the Knicks sent to the rival Nets.
“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” Keith said. “An embarrassing start. Not what you hoped for or expected, but it’s gotta change fast.”
Still, Keith wouldn’t be sounding any alarms at Madison Square Garden just yet, as these trades were meant to raise the Knicks’ ceiling in a competitive Eastern Conference, and it will just take time for the new-look roster to get used to each other, while also getting healthy.
“Why is Karl-Anthony Towns on this team? Why is Mikal Bridges on this team? The Knicks needed a Bridges in the playoffs last year,” Keith said. “It’s a chemistry project. It takes a while to find the right ingredients and get you where you want to go.
“They have a good coach, and they’re gonna figure it out. You gotta know how to lose before you know how to win.”