The New York Knicks, despite their lofty expectations, have been slumping as of late. They've lost eight of their last 10, and have fallen to the Eastern Conference's fourth seed.
Their defense has been a major issue. As it stands now, they rank 20th in defensive rating and have completely regressed since former head coach Tom Thibodeau was still in charge.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady believes he knows what's plaguing the reeling Knicks, and explained what they can do to fix it as we approach the All-Star break.
Tracy McGrady says the Knicks have 'no identity'
On NBC's NBA Showtime, McGrady revealed to his co-hosts what he thinks New York is missing on defense.
"The identity is gone. Last year, they had an identity. Thibs was all about defense. We didn't see KAT out of position like he's been these last 8-10 games," said McGrady.
"We didn't see Brunson getting blown by. The scheme Thibs had for this team fit the personnel they had. I think they got away from that."
In the previous two seasons, the Knicks never finished below sixth in defensive rating. Under Mike Brown, they're at risk of losing that gritty, hard-nosed identity they had under Thibodeau.
There's still plenty of time for New York to turn it around, but in the meantime, listening to McGrady may help them figure out the first steps towards fixing the problem.
More Knicks news:
- Knicks urged to reunite with familiar face ahead of trade deadline
- Knicks trade idea lands steal-happy guard to bolster bench depth
- Knicks urged to replace Guerschon Yabusele with veteran three-point specialist
- Knicks urged to trade for 3-and-D wing in wake of Josh Hart's ankle injury
- Knicks urged to trade for former Mike Brown player to bolster depth
- Jalen Brunson pushes back on idea that Eastern Conference is 'wide open'