The New York Knicks could sign a talented two-way role player in free agency.
The New York Knicks will be aiming to make another deep postseason run after conducting a successful offseason in the summer of 2025.
New York's addition of head coach Mike Brown, 2021 Sixth Man of the Year winner Jordan Clarkson and versatile forward Guerschon Yabusele have pushed the needle for the franchise to a degree, but their defensive consistency is an issue that may draw significant attention from the front office prior to the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign.
For a team trotting out lineups that include 2022 Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Mikal Bridges, 2023 All-Defensive Second Team selection OG Anunoby and gritty two-way wing Josh Hart, the Knicks' No. 13 ranked 113.3 team defensive rating this past regular season could be viewed as a slight disappointment.
The Knicks' defense could use some upgrades, especially for their seldom-used bench unit. As a result, it could make perfect sense for the team to contact ex-Los Angeles Lakers guard and impressive perimeter defender Jordan Goodwin, who became a casualty of the Lakers' agreement to sign 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart on Sunday.
Goodwin was waived on Sunday along with Shake Milton to make room for Smart, but the combo-guard displayed plenty of qualities that could make him a valued piece of a contending squad in the future.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound guard contributed 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 18.7 minutes for the Lakers in the regular season, but his impact extended far beyond the box score.
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Goodwin's skillset as a member of the Lakers was defined by endless hustle and stick-to-itiveness, and New York might just be the perfect place for the 26-year-old to grow his game and make meaningful contributions to a winning group.
Going back to the box score, Goodwin paired his incredible defensive intangibles with a career-best 38.2% shooting clip from three-point range this past season on 2.3 attempts. As a consistent catch-and-shoot option, he also knocked down a blistering 41.9% of his corner three-point looks.
There's no question that the gritty guard has the potential to affect the outcome of important postseason contests, regardless of where he ends up in the coming weeks or months.
If the Knicks wish to add a player that could compliment their superstar scorer Jalen Brunson as a hound on defense in the backcourt in spot minutes, Goodwin may be one of the best options remaining in free agency.
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Category: Basketball
