It doesn't matter how similar the Rockets are from the Knicks if they can't get past the top teams in the west. The Rockets would absolutely give them a run for their money... if they could win a 7-game series against the Lakers, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Thunder and Spurs. Luka wasn't even healthy in the playoffs, and the Lakers are arguably the weakest out of the 5. You can't play the Knicks if you can't make it to the finals.
I do want to say that I can see where the OP is coming from. I think the Rockets are trying to win in a similar way that the Knicks are winning: With depth and a sub-par #1 option (KD). I don't think that's a totally invalid strategy if you don't have an MVP-level player. The problem again is that end-stage KD is not at Brunson's level and our roster construction is not at NYK's level. So if we're going to keep going down this path we have to find a way to upgrade from KD and balance out the roster better.
I’ve seen KAT as a 23 year old defensive center and I’ve seen Alperen Sengun as a 23 year old defensive center, I think it’s a fair comparison and believe I’m being objective and unbiased in saying Sengun was better.
Arguing that Sengun, who can't shoot to save his life, is anything like the best three point shooting 7-footer in history is beyond hilarious. Also, have you ever heard a single interview with Mike Brown? His personality is about the farthest from Udoka as you'll find in the NBA.
Two All-NBA players? Nope. A 2-way player on OG’s level? Nope. A role player on Bridges’ level? Nope.
Look at the Knicks offense. It's the exact opposite of how we play. All our guys stand in place. None of our guys have to be closed out on. None of them can drive in and pass out. We are nothing alike.
This shows exactly what I was talking about earlier. This is next level Knicks. Its Mike Browns doing. They really didnt do this during the regular season. Those saying the Thunder would have swept them are dead wrong. They can still lose this series or win it in 7 games. Regardless swap in the Thunder an dit would have been a fight.
Sengun was a part of a better overall team defense at age 23. I don't know if he was individually better, that's hard to measure. Anyway Towns is taller and maybe stronger, which is why he has done well in the playoffs against 2 or 3 of the greatest big men in this era. Meanwhile Sengun had trouble with..... DeAndre Ayton. I was really hoping for a Knicks flame out so Towns would be available for Sengun this off-season but we can't have nice things
I think role player on Bridges level (37m per) is a decent spot to draw the line on Amen Thompson’s extension. Sengun makes 20m less than KAT Then just need a Brunson and an OG (not easy) and then spend the 20m you saved on Sengun to make your Josh Hart better or add to the bench. Full health best version Kyrie Irving Josh Hart defense with a movement 3 Amen Jalen Williams is the best OG comp I got Sengun That’s more Knicks type build for this team, granted they run the 5 out offense but I personally don’t think it’s mandatory. If you get the defense to a high enough level, there are other ways to score.
Clint Capela owned young Karl Anthony Towns when we played them. DeAndre Ayton says he’s better than Clint Capela.
We did look like the better team in the regular season against them except the blowing the 18 point 4th quarter lead part. I don't think our coaching is on the same level.
I don’t think OG is overpaid. 42.5 AAV Lauri Markanen 48 AAV Brandon Ingram 40 AAV Michael Porter Jr 40 AAV Jaron Jackson Jr 49 AAV Franz Wagner 44 AAV It’s not a tallest shooter contest, it’s a basketball game. OG Anunoby should make that much, his agent is right.
Hmm. I don't necessarily think you're wrong, I think truly elite 3nD roleplayers are harder to come by than people realize... but why do you dislike Jabari so much then? I'm not saying he's on OG Anunoby's level (yet?) but he's OG Anunoby-ish.