Outsider’s Perspective: Questions with Knicks editor Maxwell Ogden

The Pelicans are coming off of an embarrassing loss against the Dallas Mavericks Friday. Today would normally be a day for extended anger and emotional outtakes. Unfortunately, the 24-hour rule is intact as they face-off with the Knicks tonight. For a deeper look inside an intriguing Knicks squad, we called on Knicks editor Maxwell Ogden. Maxwell oversees and provides content for dailyknicks.com. Enjoy, and check us out as well @PelicanDebrief.

1. After the New York Knicks traded Carmelo Anthony, most expected them to struggle. They obviously had other plans as they’ve stayed in playoff contention in the East. Outside of the Unicorn, what has been the biggest factor in their current standing?

The biggest factor has been a stronger commitment to defense, namely during home games. In 2016-17, the Knicks ranked No. 25 in the NBA in defensive efficiency at an abysmal 108.8 points allowed per 100 possessions.

In 2017-18, the Knicks are No. 15 at 105.1 points per 100 possessions—a significant difference that’s making it far easier to win games.

New York’s defense doesn’t always travel with it, but it’s been able to step up at home. It’s outscoring opponents by 5.9 points per 100 possessions at Madison Square Garden, due in large part to its defensive rating of 103.1.

There’s still room for improvement, but the Knicks are committing to the system on both ends of the floor—at home, at least.

2. We have to talk about Kristaps Porzingis. He got off to a scorching start and really turned a lot of heads. Though he has cooled off a bit (partly due to injury) he’s still currently a top level performer. In a league with an abundance of young talented big men, where does Porzingis rank?

Right now, I’d say Kristaps Porzingis is one of the top 20 players in the NBA. He’s an outstanding post player who’s still in the process of bulking up, as well as an excellent three-point shooter, an elite shot blocker/ rim protector and a unique dribble penetrator.

Porzingis is No. 13 in the NBA in scoring and ranks No. 1 in opponent field goal percentage at the rim—all that really needs to be said.

The ankle, knee, and elbow injuries have slowed him down, but he’s never going to be the player who makes excuses. As Porzingis himself has stated, he’s encountered an early issue: Facing defensive sets that he’s never previously encountered.

He’s cooled off due to the new defenses he’s facing, but he’s still one of the few players in the NBA who’s a legitimate star on both ends of the floor.

3. Outside of the Unicorn, ________ will be the most important player for the Knicks the rest of the season.

The answer to that question is the player whom the New York Knicks have struggled to win without: Tim Hardaway Jr. Outsiders may view him as an overpaid player, but Hardaway has been spectacular since starting the season with four dreadful games.

Making or missing the playoffs will likely be determined by when Hardaway returns from injury and how he performs once he’s back.

Subtract the four awful games he started the season with and Hardaway is averaging 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.5 three-point field goals made per game. He’s still in the process of finding stability and efficiency, but he shot 44.8 percent from the field during that stretch and even stepped up on defense.

Simply put: New York has net ratings of +2.8 with Hardaway on the court and -3.3 when he isn’t.

4. What’s the biggest misconception people have had about the Knicks recently?

The biggest misconception people have about the New York Knicks is that missing the playoffs would be a disaster. With no hyperbole or bias, the Knicks are in about as good of a long-term position as any team in the NBA.

If you’re telling me that the Knicks hitting the reset button means rebuilding with the franchise player already on the roster, I’m responding with a smile.

Kristaps Porzingis has validated the hype in every way imaginable, and he’s only going to improve from here. Frank Ntilikina is already locking star-caliber scorers down in the fourth quarter, and he’s beginning to flash three-point range, shooting over 40 percent from 3 during the month of December.

The Knicks clearly have issues that need to be sorted out, but with a franchise player, a defensive-minded point guard, and an experienced front office, they’re in a good place.

5. Outside perspective on the Pelicans?

The New Orleans Pelicans are a legitimate second unit away from competing for championships. Even with what has to be viewed as something of a makeshift starting lineup, New Orleans is playing postseason-caliber basketball.

People can frown on big men all they want, but having the two best bigs in the NBA should lead to team success if you give them the help they need.

The key for New Orleans is going to be unloading Omer Asik and Solomon Hill—easier said than done, but still a key. Getting rid of those two albatrosses of contracts would mean creating enough space to build a legitimate second unit.

If New Orleans drafts well and gets rid of at least one of those two unfavorable deals, they should be able to surround Cousins and Davis with enough help to win big.

Next: Outsiders Perspective: Questions with Mavs editor Issac Harris

That’s a wrap for our time with Maxwell Ogden. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @MaxwellOgden and the Knicks @DailyKnicksFS. You can also listen to his podcast @TalkNYKPodcast Hope you all enjoyed, and look out for our next installment coming soon.