An NBA analyst believes that a former league MVP would "flourish" with the New York Knicks if he signed with them in free agency.
NBA Analyst Believes Former League MVP Would 'Flourish' With Knicks Amid Free Agency Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Knicks entered the offseason looking to make some small upgrades to their roster as they try to build of their run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
Of course, the Knicks are set to bring back their core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges next season but one area they needed to improve was their bench.
That is exactly what the Knicks focused on during free agency as they signed Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, filling two key holes in their second unit.
After signing both Yabusele and Clarkson, New York still does have one more roster space open and they have been linked to many players.
Rachel Nichols believes Knicks should sign Russell Westbrook
Two player who have garnered the most attention from the Knicks are Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook and NBA analyst Rachel Nichols believes that Westbrook would “flourish” in New York.
“That’s a team that needs a guy like him. That actually has a slot for a guy like him. I think he would flourish in New York,” Nichols said on the Open Floor podcast. “I think New York fans would love him, and I think he would be able to fill that sort of vet energy role really well.”
Nichols does make a great point about Westbrook being a solid fit in New York off the bench as the backup point guard behind Brunson.
Of course, Westbrook revitalized his NBA career last season with the Denver Nuggets as he proved that he could still be a key piece both off the bench and in the starting lineup on a contending team.
Last season, the former MVP averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from three.
For the Knicks, adding Westbrook to their roster would give them another great scorer and playmaker off the bench and would allow Miles McBride to slot in as the backup shooting guard with Clarkson being a forward.
By signing Westbrook, the Knicks would be able to upgrade their bench even more this offseason and with the East being weakened due to injuries, New York could be the team to beat next season in the conference.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
