2. Lack of a backup 4

New York’s decision to trade power forward Obi Toppin and replace him in the rotation with guard Donte DiVincenzo was a bet that midseason acquisition Josh Hart could play up a position at power forward.

It’s not a bad wager. Hart has proven that he is capable of playing big as evidenced by the fact that he had the highest rebound rate (12.4 percent) of any rotation player in the NBA under 6-foot-7 last season.

But what happens when Julius Randle or Hart is unavailable to play? We saw a sneak preview when Hart sat out New York’s preseason opener on Monday against the Boston Celtics.

Third-string center Jericho Sims played several minutes at the four alongside centers Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein and Boston’s defense completely ignored Sims, who was often stationed in the corner. The results were shaky to say the least.

Though Randle has been relatively healthy in his Knicks tenure, he is coming off an ankle surgery. Other than Sims, the option is to play small which runs counter to how coach Thibodeau has operated throughout his entire coaching career.

3. No true three-and-D wing

Three-and-D wings have often been regarded as the most valuable commodity around the NBA. They’re usually able to guard multiple positions on defense while playing different roles within an offense, including shooting.

The Knicks are lacking in the area as many of their best role players are smaller. The player closest to the concept of a three-and-D wing is Quentin Grimes, but he’s listed at 6-foot-5 and better equipped to defend guards such as Donovan Mitchell rather than the likes of wings such as Jayson Tatum or Kevin Durant.

Immanuel Quickley is 6-foot-3, Donte DiVincenzo is 6-foot-4 and Hart is 6-foot-5. There’s a reason the Knicks were rumored to be interested in Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby around last season’s trade deadline. Top teams in the East such as the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat all have elite scoring wings which could be a problem for the Knicks.

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