The New York Knicks clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference, an impressive feat with all the injuries they’ve had to deal with. New York’s success was largely due to moves made before the deadline. Before the NBA trade deadline, the Knicks made moves to acquire OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic.
While Anunoby was the biggest piece, Achiuwa, Burks and Bogdanovic all had to step up at some point in the season. Ahead of the playoffs, coach Tom Thibodeau revealed how they will help the Knicks.
“Well, once upon a time, they are high-character kids. They care about the team and that’s important to us as an organization, so I think Leon and his staff have identified those types of players and I think they come in and fit. Even the guys who aren’t in the rotation are adding a lot to our team too with the way they prepare, the way they train and the way they support each other.
“We always talk about we have to be the best team, be the best team. Don’t be the best individual, be the best team.”