thelesterlee
Since Luka arrived in Los Angeles, the Lakers became an instant title contender—which meant ESPN would devote all of their energy into developing weeks of surface-level analysis of box scores or quick glimpses of games they caught looking up at a few times behind the bar while they were out to dinner with execs, colleagues, managers, agents, players and/or families.
Suddenly, magically, Austin Reeves is now the best third option in the NBA.
I scrolled past a TikTok of his highlights mixed with Pete Marovich’s. Ok.
At the time of the discussion, Mikal was stinking it up.
Then a reporter tricked him into admitting he wanted to play fewer minutes, leading to a strange back and forth with Thibs.
But with Jalen Brunson in a walking boot, Mikal transformed into ’82 Alex English.
MIKAL BRIDGES, ARE YOU SERIOUS!!?
33 POINTS AND THE GAME-WINNING TREY 😤 pic.twitter.com/7iubWATP1Q
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 13, 2025
The Knicks are the third seed in the East but play like dogshit against all the teams ahead of them.
This team has not figured out how to play together—often allowing cutters to beat them with a lack of communication or playing hot potato with the ball because no one wants to step on anyone else’s toes.
Let’s rank the Knicks scoring options because lord knows this team needs to sit down after practice and figure this out for themselves.
1st Option: Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson is averaging 26.3 points a game—the 7th most in the NBA.
He’s scored 30+ points in 22 games, including a 55-point game (against the Wizards. Sh.)
I don’t think I’ve seen him miss a shot in the 4th quarter yet.
When KAT and Josh Hart are whining to the refs and Precious Achiuwa is dribbling off his own sneakers and OG Anunoby is frowning and Mikal Bridges gets his beak blown off by Elmer Fudd, Jalen Brunson is the only serious competitor keeping the Knicks in games.
Pass the ball to Tucker.
2nd Option: Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges is special. That can have a double meaning if you want it to. It’s open for interpretation.
MIKAL BRIDGES CAUGHT FIRE IN THE 2Q!
20 PTS on 4 3PM to give him 24 in the first half 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XlZcZPumcC
— NBA (@NBA) March 23, 2025
When Bridges is confident and empowered, he levitates across the court—gliding around the perimeter, ready to catch and shoot in motion.
He can initiate offense at the top of the key and despite not having the tightest handle, he knows how to get to his favorite spots.
I love watching Bridges play.
He’ll hit back-to-back in-motion 3’s like prime Kyle Korver then catch a pass, one-dribble it to the free throw line, fadeaway like Grant Hill—and then accidentally step on the ball, slide into the courtside seats, covered in Chris Rock’s popcorn and Pepsi.
He plays like Bugs Bunny both before and after “Michael’s Secret Stuff”.
3rd Option: Karl-Anthony Towns
Sometimes I watch Karl-Anthony Towns and I think “this is one of the best basketball players on planet Earth” and sometimes I watch Karl-Anthony Towns and I think “why are you doing that?”
I think it’s the third option’s job to get busy with the second unit while the first two options rest.
KAT can get his 20 points a game when Brunson and Bridges are hydrating.
It works better for the Knicks when they play that way.
It almost surprises teams when KAT starts cooking at the end of the first/start of the second. It’s like teams forgot the Knicks have an All-NBA big man shooting 42% from 3.
And honestly, Mikal Bridges plays better defense when he’s getting shots up. I wish his defensive focus wasn’t directly connected to his offensive contributions but that’s the case right now.
He can see a sports therapist when the season ends.
In the meantime, let him take those weird ass fadeaway middies so he can block shots on the other end.
Nothing can make Karl-Anthony Towns a better defender. He’s, ya know, just doing his best out there. My knees hurt watching him. He’s trying.
4th Option: Jalen Brunson
If Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony Towns are all struggling, then the ball should go back to Jalen Brunson to try again.
5th Option: OG Anunoby
Best case scenario: OG Anunoby stands in the corners, busts his ass on defense, and is thankful he’s not a dishwasher or a Toronto Raptor.
To be serious, OG is strong enough to muscle through contact—often in transition—and get to the free throw line. He and Josh Hart are tied for third on the team in free throw attempts.
And with Brunson, Deuce, KAT and Mikal drawing full speed crash outs to stop them from hitting 3’s, OG is often wiiiiiiiiiide open when the ball hits his hands.
All he needs to do is play basketball.
Don’t try to prove to me you deserve this contract or try to impress the hoes—you’re rich, it doesn’t matter.
Last Option: Josh Hart
Josh Hart, move. Shoo, fly.
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