Week 4 NBA Power Ranking – Big shifts on the ladder while OKC Thunder clings to middle rung

New York Knicks:

Offense: (101.1) – 30th
Defense: (110.2) –  22nd
Net: (minus -9.1) – 29th

Record: 3-10
Games Week 4: (1-2) Won vs. Mavericks, lost to Bulls,  Hornets
Games Week 5 (4 games): Mon, Nov. 18 vs. Cavs | Wed, Nov. 20 at 76ers | Sat, Nov 23 vs. Spurs | Sun, Nov 24 vs. Nets

For as much as RJ Barrett has moments of brilliance, his free throw shooting has to be a concern for the Knicks management team. Typically, a player who struggles from the line ends up having issues form the perimeter. But Barrett’s 35.6 percent perimeter efficiency is palatable, his 48.7 percent from the charity stripe — not so much.

What makes this situation most concerning is RJ leads his team in attempts per game (5.3) so it would behoove the development team to address this issue immediately.

Marcus Morris is a player who’ll draw interest from several parties at the trade deadline with his combination of skills and grit. This week Morris displayed both which served to up his value.

Meanwhile, Dennis Smith Jr. demonstrated he’s an emotional guy since his 13 points, six rebounds, eight assists effort versus the Mavericks was by far his best of the season.

Unfortunately, he regressed right back to oblivion in the next game. In essence, he’s not a player the Knicks can count on and while the Mavs lost both games to the Knicks they’ll still be the ones laughing in the future over the Kristap Porzingis – Smith trade (thank goodness that trade package included draft picks)!