Knicks
Good: The Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals as the #3 seed led by solid play by PG Jalen Brunson throughout the regular season and increased play in the playoffs. The trade for PF/C Karl Anthony Towns turned out to be a solid move so far as the #2 to Brunson. The trade for SF/SG Mikal Bridges paid off with him playing all 82 games and all games in the playoffs at high minutes. C Mitchell Robinson was able to provide a boost in the playoffs despite missing most of the regular season. The starting unit played well while mostly staying healthy, despite big minutes. The key players are all under contract for next season.
Bad: Coach Tom Thibodeau has been fired and the defense got exposed. PF/C Precious Achiuwa is a free agent after playing big minutes during the regular season while Robinson was out. Bridges is due for a big contract extension with one year left. The team needs to decide if Robinson is a trade piece or part of improving the defense. The team needs to find a way to get to the next level despite the upgrades just made. The team could use upgrades in bench production as well as, defense.
Timberwolves
Good: The T’Wolves made it to the Western Conference Finals as an underrated #6 seed led by SG Anthony Edwards who played well in the regular season and into the postseason naturally becoming a possible face of the league. The trade for PF Julius Randle turned out to be about even so far despite bad results early, but he increased his numbers in the playoffs as the #2 option. 6th man C/PF Naz Reid had a solid season while giving them a different mix inside with consistent 3pt range. F Jaden McDaniels had another solid season while playing 82 games and the playoff games as the defensive stopper. C Rudy Gobert had another consistent year. Rookie G/F Terrance Shannon Jr. showed flashes in the playoffs of what he could do, he was viewed as NBA ready despite being a late 1st round pick. The majority of the team is under contract.
Bad: Randle and Reid both have pending player options that they may opt out of, especially Reid who is due for another pay upgrade. G/F Nickeil Alexander-Walker needs to be re-signed as he provided an offensive spark off the bench into the playoffs. Veteran PG Mike Conley is declining and a year older. Rookie #8 pick G Rob Dillingham never got going or showed the flashes he did in the Summer League. Gobert was ineffective at times in the playoffs. The team needs more from G/F Donte DiVincenzo who was also part of the trade. The team needs to find a way to improve/make it to the next level.
