Should The Knicks Consider Giving T.J. Warren a Shot?

The New York Knicks have dropped their last two games following a nine game win streak, and head coach Tom Thibodeau has come under fire for his rotations in the games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls. 

All five starters played 40 minutes or more in the game against the Thunder, and on the back to back, most of the starters comparatively got a "rest", with each one playing 32 minutes at the minimum, although Josh Hart got a full 40 in.

The rotation speaks to Thibodeau's lack of trust in his depth. The team has been without Mitchell Robinson the entire season and without sixth man Duece McBride since December 30. Thibodeau has built a reputation for not playing younger players (despite really strong efforts from Tyler Kolek and Ariel Hukporti in limited minutes). But perhaps there is another option.

The Westchester Knicks this season are 15-7 this season, going 13-4 in the Tip-Off Tournament, cultivating in a G-League Winter Showcase championship. Leading the charge the entire season has been veteran wing T.J. Warren.

Warren has appeared in 15 games for Westchester, averaging 24.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, shooting over 50% from the field and 35.5% from deep. Warren was the fifth leading scorer in the G League Tip-Off Tournament. 

Warren was originally a lottery pick, being drafted 14th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2014. Warren's ability to score the ball was never questioned, as between 2018 and 2020 Warren averaged 19.3 points per game in the NBA. Some of his early career struggles were attributed to a lack of shooting range, playmaking ability and defensive effort. 

Warren eventually got the range, becoming a 41.4% shooter from 2019-2020. Warren also achieved NBA Twitter acclaim for his performance in the COVID bubble. 

Injuries derailed Warren's career, as he only played in four games in the 2021 season before missing the entirety of the 2022 season. He spent 2023 with a brief stop in Brooklyn, and an even briefer reunion in Phoenix. Last season Warren played for the Timberwolves, appearing in just 11 games.  

Warren's performance in the G League is certainly turning heads. His scoring proficiency of course is impressing, but Warren's marks of 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals per game aren't close to the marks Warren had in the NBA. His game looks as complete as it's ever been.

For a Knicks team that could despairingly use another set of legs that Thibodeau can trust to take the load off it's starters, Warren seems like a logical option. Sunday marked the beginning of 10-Day contract windows, and the Knicks do have an open roster spot.