3 of the Knicks' biggest weaknesses entering the 2023-24 season

After tackling the strengths of the Knicks, it only makes sense to assess the team’s weaknesses. New York has a foot in the door of the small room of Eastern Conference contenders, but still has some imperfections to worry about.

Several of New York’s best lineups lack outside shooting. There are also questions about the lack of a true wing with size and the power forward position is thin after the departure of former lottery pick Obi Toppin.

Here’s a look at three flaws that could prove fatal and explain why New York’s season ends in disappointment...

1. Floor spacing

The easiest weakness to look at with the Knicks is the lack of truly threatening outside-shooter on the floor. Coach Tom Thibodeau embraced the Knicks launching a boatload of threes, taking the offense into the 21st century. However, New York finished just 19th in three-point shooting percentage.

The starting lineup only features two above-average outside shooters in Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes. With Brunson often directing traffic with the ball in his hands, that means the opposition can often crowd the paint and bring help to defend and pressure Brunson.

Brunson saw several double teams and traps in the postseason and New York’s shooters weren’t able to make defenses pay as the Knicks shot the worst of any team from three (29.2 percent). Outside shooting will always be a concern for the team, especially against elite competition.

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.