If there's one thing outside of winning Knicks fans are desperate for a return to, it's that physical, in-your-face defense that defined the 1990s, the last extended stretch of success for the franchise.
Getting back to that point won't be easy, but hiring Tom Thibodeau as head coach is a strong way to kickstart the process. He'll need the pieces defenses rely on, however, like high-IQ athletes who are willing to put in the effort night in and night out, even if the wins aren’t following.
Here are five such names available in free agency who the Knicks should pursue to bolster their defense. Note: This won't include restricted free agents as they're less attainable, or centers because of Mitchell Robinson.
Serge Ibaka
Ibaka is probably more of a center now, but sliding him in the frontcourt next to Robinson would make for an impenetrable duo up front that likely leads the league in blocked shots, and he can shoot well enough that spacing isn't compromised. Bringing in a defensive-minded veteran with winning experience could be intriguing to Thibodeau and Leon Rose, and Ibaka fits that bill having helped anchor the 2019 champion Toronto Raptors' defense. It's unclear how much the Knicks would have to offer or if he'd even be interested, but given his age (31), New York could make something like a two-year, $40 million offer with a team option to both outbid the contending teams after him and maintain future financial flexibility.
Paul Millsap
And if the Ibaka move doesn't work out, Millsap is a solid consolation prize. He isn't the vertical menace Ibaka is, nor will he swat the ball into the blue seats, but he will do all the right things defensively and work as Robinson's muscle. He's also more of a playmaking threat offensively from the high post. Knicks fans should prepare for Millsap's best work to not show up on the box score, but enjoy a much improved defense with him in the lineup.
