The New York Knicks are in the middle of a crisis right now. They lost the Eastern Conference Finals to the Indiana Pacers, sacked head coach Tom Thibodeau, and will need some players to take the load off Jalen Brunson. The point guard, at times, has carried the franchise on his back, and it’s becoming obvious he needs assistance on the floor.
Even though Karl-Anthony Towns took on some of the scoring load, it’s still not enough. Plus, Thibodeau’s strict rotation policy didn’t help either, with Brunson failing to carry the team in the playoffs.
Most teams have two stars and an X-factor that allows the team to maintain pressure when the stars get a rest. Hence, a Knicks legend, Carmelo Anthony, found a solution to these problems.
Knicks Legend Finds Solution to Jalen Brunson’s Pressure-Cooker Situation
In a recent episode of ‘7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony’, joined by Iman Shumpert and Kaz, Anthony revealed the pressure faced by Brunson at Madison Square Garden. He pointed out, “Mikal is not taking the pressure off. OG is not taking the pressure off. KAT will take the pressure off, but he’s a shooter, but he’s taken the pressure off a bit.”
He pulled a name out of the hat, saying, “I will bring Lonzo over here. Low risk, high reward.” After returning from an injury, Ball returned to the court after struggling with injuries for over two years. Consequently, Anthony spoke about how Ball could come in and take the load off Brunson now that he’s fit.
Jalen Brunson with a backcourt mate like Coby White or Lonzo Ball would change the game for the Knicks 🤔
Melo: “Giannis, the Knicks don’t need that … you need a backcourt today.” pic.twitter.com/S6wCfq609r
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) June 13, 2025
Shumpert agreed to the statement about how Ball would make a difference and how the Knicks’ physio department could evaluate his injuries and get him back to his best shape. He also signed a two-year, $20 million contract extension with the Bulls back in February.
For a franchise that had the time of their life under Thibodeau, the Knicks can’t catch a break right now. Anthony continued, “Now, when JB go out the game, now Lonzo could spoonfeed, like Shump talking about.”
Lonzo Ball Could Fit the Bill for the Knicks
It could work out well for the Knicks, considering they have two guards who can score and pass well. Before his injury, Ball started to find his feet in Chicago by averaging 13.0 points and shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc during the 2021-2022 season. The efficiency from the three-point line came after he attempted 7.4 shots in the game.
Likewise, his playmaking skills and high basketball IQ make him a solid player, with Ball having 5.1 assists. Defensively, he guards robustly and fetches 1.8 steals per game. Moreover, a guard who gets 5.4 rebounds becomes priceless to the side in gaining control of the game.
With the Knicks also struggling for size, Ball could provide that with his 6’6” frame. A backcourt duo of Brunson and Ball could probably take the pressure off Brunson to lead in the clutch moments and make plays for his teammates.
The Knicks need depth right now, and it showed during the Conference Finals. Ball could come in and make a difference, as Anthony mentioned.
