The New York Knicks have established a solid foundation and no longer need to pursue a major trade. Jalen Brunson has emerged as a reliable star, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby provide strong support on the wings. Karl-Anthony Towns, coming off an impressive season, is among the top stretch bigs in the league.
This year’s lineup is more robust and complete than any team coached by Tom Thibodeau previously. The focus is now on refining the roster, and adding Keon Ellis could be a significant enhancement, complementing Brunson perfectly.
Defensive Challenges for Brunson and Towns
While Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are key offensive assets, their defensive statistics from the 2024–25 season reveal substantial weaknesses. Brunson recorded a Defensive RAPM of –1.5, ranking him 738th in the league and placing him in the bottom 6th percentile of all NBA players. Similar models like DARKO (–1.3), LEBRON (–1.4), and RAPTOR (–2.2) also provide poor evaluations. Brunson’s steal and block percentages are low, and his rebounding rate is below 8%. At 6’2″, his lack of length and verticality makes it hard for him to contest shots, leading to isolation plays targeting him, particularly in the playoffs.
During the 2025 playoffs, this vulnerability became evident, with Brunson being recognized as both the leading offensive player and the most inadequate defender. His offensive metrics were impressive, yet the Knicks struggled defensively with him on the court, particularly during matches against Indiana.
Why Keon Ellis Could Be Beneficial
To address these issues, it’s crucial to support Brunson and Towns with adaptable, high-energy defenders like Keon Ellis. Ellis ranks in the 99th percentile for shot contests, and excels in steals and blocks. With a defensive RAPM of +1.8, he stands out among top guard defenders, enabling the team to alleviate defensive pressures on Brunson and Towns.
Learning from the Thunder’s Defensive Strategy
The Thunder’s performance in the 2025 NBA Finals underscored the importance of elite defense characterized by versatility and relentless pressure. The Knicks can emulate this by integrating Bridges, Anunoby, and Ellis to form a formidable perimeter defense. This would allow the Knicks to effectively mask Brunson’s defensive struggles and create a cohesive, defensive unit while enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Efficiency on a Budget
Ellis may not attract major headlines, but he is likely the most efficient and disruptive guard available, signed for just $2 million. His impressive shooting and scoring metrics underscore his ability to thrive alongside established stars without demanding excessive ball usage.
In summary, Keon Ellis encapsulates the ideal addition for competing teams. His unselfishness, efficiency, and defensive skills position him as a low-cost, playoff-ready role player. Should Sacramento be open to trade discussions, the Knicks should be prepared to take action.
