In a much-anticipated trade, the Knicks and Pistons exchanged key players, but the results have been lackluster. Burks, Bogdanovic, and Fournier, who were expected to be major players, have had a hard time making a significant impact. So, what’s going on?
- Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic’s performances have not met the Knicks’ expectations yet.
- Quentin Grimes and Evan Fournier have struggled with injuries and form, making the trade less beneficial for the Pistons.
- Despite the trade, the Knicks are close to improving their standing in the Eastern Conference, while player health remains a critical issue for both teams.
Unmet Expectations: How Knicks-Pistons Swap Falls Short
Neither the New York Knicks nor the Detroit Pistons have reaped the benefits from their much-discussed trade deadline deal.
Expectations were high in a swap that saw Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic head to New York in exchange for Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono, and two second-round picks.
However, the trade has not lived up to its potential for either side.
Underwhelming Performances Plague Knicks
Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic failed to make the desired impact for the Knicks. Despite the opportunities presented by injuries to key players, their performances have been disappointing.
Alec Burks has managed a mere 32% shooting accuracy since the trade, with a turnover-to-assist ratio that equals the team’s worst net rating of -11.5.
Bogdanovic has been equally disappointing, shooting at 39% and proving to be a liability on defense.
His minimal contribution was highlighted by a mere seven-minute playtime in a recent win over the Nets, marking his shortest appearance since 2015.
Pistons’ Side of the Deal
The Pistons, on the other hand, have not fared much better.
Quentin Grimes missed 15 of 21 games due to a knee injury sustained while with the Knicks. Despite being the most consistent player post-trade, Evan Fournier has failed to impress, shooting 6-for-27 in his last four games and 38% overall since joining Detroit.
Closer Look at the Numbers: Post-Trade Struggles
The trade has notably led to some of the least efficient offensive performances in the NBA.
Burks, Bogdanovic, and Fournier have been identified as among the players with the worst shooting percentages since the trade, failing to surpass 34% overall and 30% from the three-point line.
Dating back to the end of February, there are only three players (min 50 FG attempts) shooting below 34% from the floor and below 30% from downtown:
Evan Fournier,
Bojan Bogdanovic,
and
Alec Burks— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) March 22, 2024
What’s Next for the Teams?
Despite the trade’s lackluster outcomes, the Knicks remain competitive within the Eastern Conference, closely trailing the third-placed Cavs.
However, injuries to key players like Julius Randle and the mystery surrounding OG Anunoby’s condition remain pressing issues for the team.
